Battery

A device for converting chemical energy into electrical energy. A group of voltaic cells connected in series.

Note: Weston and Clark cells are standard cells used as references, all others are approximate EMF's.

The main parameters considered when selecting batteries:

1. ampere-hour capacity
2. cost
3. depth of discharge
4. lifetime
5. rechargeability
6. ruggedness
7. temperature environments
8. weight

Local Action

A continuation of current flow within a battery cell when there is no external load.

State of Charge

The charge state of a battery is often simplistically estimated from voltage. However, this can give errors as the voltage will change depending on the current demand, prior use, age, temperature etc. More sophisticated battery state monitors use temperature, impedance and history of use.

Historical Notes

1800 Alessandro Volta develops the electric battery.

1839 Fuel Cell invented by William Grove.

1932 First successful fuel cell produced by Francis Bacon.

See also: Accumulator, Alkaline Battery, Battery Capacity, Clark Cell, Concentration Cell, Depth of Discharge, Electrochemistry, Electrolyte, Energy Density, Fuel Cell, Galvanic Cell, Lead Acid Battery, Leclanché Cell, Lithium Ion Battery, Lithium Polymer Battery, Nickel Cadmium Battery, Nickel Metal Hydride Battery, Open Circuit Voltage, Power Density, Primary Cell, Rechargeable Battery, Secondary Cell, Self Discharge, Traction Battery, Voltaic Pile, Weston Cell.

Weblinks:
• Pure Energy Systems Wiki The community-built resource that focuses on alternative, clean, practical, renewable energy solutions.
• BatteryUniversity.com An on-line resource that provides practical battery knowledge for engineers, educators, students and battery users alike.
• AC Propulsion Motors, inverters, chargers, and batteries for electric vehicles.