Lead-Acid Battery: Working, Reaction and Charging

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Jasmine Grover

Education Journalist | Study Abroad Lead

Lead Acid Battery is the earliest type of rechargeable battery, often known as a lead storage battery. Gaston Plante, a French scientist, devised the lead-acid battery in the year 1859. Lead-acid batteries are still used in a variety of applications. These are commonly used in cars with high-current batteries for winding power. Even though lead-acid batteries are extremely dependable, their lifespan is limited. These are also difficult to move and contain a variety of harmful compounds that necessitate special disposal techniques at the end of their useful lives. This type of battery has a decent reaction time and a modest power density. Lead-acid batteries may take or provide energy very instantly, depending on the power conversion technology. 

Key Terms: Lead Battery, Sealed Lead Battery, Cells, Lead Oxide, Electrodes, Sulphuric Acid, Electron, Oxidation, Reduction, Electrolyte


Sealed Lead Battery

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Six cells are installed side by side in a single container in a sealed lead-acid battery. The cells are connected, and each 2.0V cell contributes to the battery's overall capacity of 12.0V. 

Despite their weight, lead-acid batteries are favoured over alternative lightweight choices because of their capacity to provide powerful electrical surges (which are required to start a cold engine in an automobile). 

A fully charged lead-acid battery consists of a stack of alternating lead oxide electrodes separated from one another by porous separator layers. These components are all together immersed in a sulfuric acid solution. Intercell connections link one cell's positive end to the negative end of the next cell, forming a sequence of six cells.

Lead Acid Battery

Lead Acid Battery

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Chemical Reaction for Discharging

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The positive and negative plates of the battery become lead (II) sulphate when the battery is depleted (PbSO4). The dissolved sulphuric acid is lost, and the electrolyte becomes mainly water. The discharge process is accelerated by electron conduction from the negative plate to the cell in the positive plate. This occurs outside the circuit. When a battery is drained, it becomes a galvanic cell, which causes the chemical process below.

Negative:

Pb(s) + HSO4- + H2O(l) –> 2e- + PbSO4(s) + H3O+(aq) (oxidation)

Positive:

PbO2(s) + HSO4-(aq) + 3H3O+(aq) + 2e- –> PbSO4(s) + 5H2O(l) (reduction)


Lead Acid Battery Charging

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The lead-acid battery stores chemical energy, which is then transformed into electrical energy when needed. Lead-acid battery charging is the process of converting chemical energy to electrical energy. Discharging occurs when electrical energy is converted to chemical energy.

The sulphuric acid in the lead-acid battery decomposes, requiring replacement. If the battery is drained over an extended period of time, a chemical buildup occurs, which is difficult to remove. An external source of electricity is generally used to charge lead-acid batteries. The current passes into the battery during the charging process due to chemical changes. Any lead-acid battery may be charged in one of two ways. Constant voltage charging and constant current changing are two examples.

Working Principle of Lead Acid Battery

Working Principle of Lead Acid Battery


Chemical Reaction for Recharging

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It is also possible to recharge a lead-acid battery. When the battery is fully charged, each cell has a negative plate made of Pb or lead and a positive plate made of PbO2 or lead(IV) oxide. H2SO4 or sulfuric acid is present in the electrolyte at a concentration of around 4.2M.

The electrons are violently withdrawn from the positive plate and forcibly inserted into the negative plate during the recharging process. This is done via the charging source. The chemical processes that take place in each plate are listed below

Negative: 2e + PbSO4(s) + H3O+(aq) –> Pb(s) + HSO4 + H2O(l) (reduction)

Positive: PbSO4(s) + 5H2O(l) –> PbO2(s) + HSO4(aq) + 3H3O+(aq) + 2e (oxidation)


Things to Remember

  • Lead-acid batteries, often known as lead storage batteries, can store a lot of charges and provide a lot of current for a short time.
  • The basic design of lead-acid batteries hasn't evolved much since Planté developed them in 1859, but Faure made some refinements.
  • Lead-acid batteries can be recharged, which is crucial for their usage in automobiles.
  • Lead-acid batteries have a decent reaction time and a modest power density. 
  • The temperature has an impact on lead-acid batteries, and they must be maintained to get optimal life.

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Sample Questions

Ques. What characteristics do lead-acid batteries have? (2 Marks)

Ans. Lead-acid batteries are simple to use, inexpensive, and suitable for a wide range of battery-powered applications. These are used in automobiles where the lead-acid battery powers everything, including starting the vehicle and operating the electronics.

Ques. Is a lead-acid battery a wet or a dry battery? (2 Marks)

Ans. Wet cell (flooded), gel cell, and absorbed glass mat are three types of lead-acid batteries (AGM). The wet cell comes in two varieties: serviceable and maintenance-free. Both are electrolyte-filled and function similarly.

Ques. What are the Lead Acid Battery Cells' Materials, and how do you keep them in working order? (2 Marks)

Ans. Lead peroxide is used in the construction of lead-acid batteries (PbO2).

Dilute sulfuric acid Sponge lead (Pb) (H2SO4).

To maintain lead-acid in good shape, apply a completely saturated charge for 14 to 16 hours. If the charge cycle does not allow it, give the battery a fully saturated charge every few weeks.

Ques. What are the dangers of using a lead-acid battery? (2 Marks)

Ans. If the lead-acid battery is not properly maintained, it might be dangerous. Because hydrogen gas is produced during the chemical reaction, using a lead battery in an unventilated environment is extremely hazardous. Furthermore, if the charging is not precise, the battery will suffer serious harm.

Ques. How is a battery's internal short circuit repaired? (2 Marks)

Ans. If a single battery short circuit or problem is discovered, open the sealant of the single battery with a soldering iron. Remove the connection strips from both ends of the single battery, then the single battery's board group. Correct the curvature of the plates or replace them with new plates, depending on the scenario. The restored batteries must then be charged individually after that. Finally, the entire battery pack should be charged, with the relative density of each cell's electrolyte adjusted.

Ques. How is the water of the battery repaired? (2 Marks)

Ans. The most prevalent problem is water loss, which is also the easiest to fix. Pry off the cover above the battery, then open the rubber cover to reveal the vent and suck distilled water into the battery through the vent with a dropper. To prevent dust from falling into the vent of the water-filled battery, cover the vent with a breathable protective cover. Rehydration is based on the notion of taking less but not more water. You can increase it if necessary. The acid ratio will be lowered if the dose is too high, and the battery capacity will be insufficient.

Ques. Discuss the assembly of a lead battery. (2 Marks)

Ans. One cathode plate, one anode plate, and a separator between them would make up the simplest cell. In reality, most cells hold up to 30 plates separated by separators. 

Typically, cellulose, PVC, rubber, microporous polyethylene, or non-woven polypropylene are used as separators. The plates are stacked and joined together by welding. The tabs that hold the plates together are cast, punched between the layers, and welded together. To activate the case, the plates are hanging inside it, which are filled with electrolytes.

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