Lead Acid Battery
A battery with electrodes of lead oxide and metallic lead that are separated by an electrolyte of sulphuric acid.
The overall reaction is:
PbO2 + Pb + 2H2SO4 <=> 2PbSO4 + 2H2O
Some batteries manufactured for use in very hot or very cold climates may have stronger or weaker acid. If so, it is usually marked on the battery.
Most Lead-Acid batteries will have a specific gravity in the range of 1.1 to 1.3, with most fully charged batteries being about 1.23 to 1.30 (Note: some hydrometers multiply this number by 1000, so 1.3 would read as 1300.)
A very old lead acid battery showing the arrangement of plates in each cell.
The advantages of the lead acid battery are:
- Readily available
- Low cost
The disadvantages are:
- Low energy density
- Only average cycle life
- Can be damaged by deep discharge
Automotive Terminal Post
A round post made of lead used on engine starter batteries.
Deep Cycle
A lead acid battery designed to operate over deeper discharges, the normal design change is to use thicker lead plates.
Float Voltage
The voltage at which the battery is floated, or just enough current is supplied to equal the self-discharge of the battery.
For lead acid batteries this is typically about 14.2 volts for a 12 volt battery.
Flooded Cell
A design for lead-acid batteries where the electrolyte is an ordinary liquid solution of acid.
Gel Cell
A technique for sealed lead-acid batteries. The electrolyte solution is in a gel form, usually silica gel, instead of plain liquid.
L-Post
A style of battery terminal, shaped like an L, with a flat vertical part to which the cable is bolted.
Universal Terminal Post
A style of battery terminal, with a round post similar to the automotive post, but with a threaded stud in the center of the post.
Valve Regulated Lead Acid Battery (VRLA)
A lead acid battery that uses pressure valves that open only under extreme conditions.
See also: Absorbed Glass Mat Battery, Battery, Battery Acid, Bipolar Lead Acid Battery, Peukert Equation, Sealed Battery, Spiral Wound Lead Acid Battery.
Subjects: Electrochemistry Electronics