The Automobile Battery (original) (raw)
The Automobile Battery � The Lead-Acid Battery System
Examples: Car batteries (SLI, power steering/windows, anti-lock brakes, cruise control, cigarette lighter, airbag sensors, air conditioning, defoggers), emergency electric generators, telephone systems, global positioning systems, golf carts, etc.
Applications: Automobile engine starting, lighting & ignition, energy storage, emergency power, electric/hybrid vehicles, submarines etc..
Cathode/Anode/Electrolyte: Lead Dioxide/Metallic Lead/Sulfuric Acid Solution
Chemistry: PbO2 + 4H+ + 2e-�� Pb2+ + 2H2O cathode Pb2+ + SO42- �� PbSO4 Pb �� Pb2+ 2e- anode Pb2+ + SO42- �� PbSO4
Pb + PbO2 + 2H2SO4 �� 2PbSO4 + 2H2O (discharge reaction)
Distinguishing Characteristics:
- Popular low cost secondary battery, capable of being produce worldwide on a local basis.
- Available in a variety of sizes.
- Good high-rate performance.
- Moderately good low and high temperature performance.
- Electrically efficient � turnaround efficiency of over 70%.
- Highest open-circuit voltage of all aqueous electrolyte battery systems (>2.0V).
- Good float service.
- East state of charge indication.
- Good charge retention for intermittent charge applications**.**
- Available in maintenance free designs**.**
- Low cost compared with other secondary battery systems**.**
- Cell components are easily recycled**.**
Fun Fact: Annual sales of lead-acid batteries represent approximately 45% of the sales volume, of all batteries in the world.