All batteries were once permanently drained after use, and not rechargeable prior to 1859. But that was before Gaston Planté invented the lead-acid battery that same year. The world was astounded that recharging was as simple as passing a reverse current through terminals. But there was more lead-acid battery renewal to follow.
Progressive Renewal of Lead-Acid Battery Technology
Camille Alphonse Faure improved Gaston Planté’s original design of flat plates in 1880, when he found a way to coat a lead lattice. Later, other battery scientists used lead-antimony alloys to give greater rigidity. However, lead-calcium and lead -selenium grid alloys had taken over by 1935.
Nowadays, most lead-acid batteries are either flooded, or sealed varieties. The latter type are available in absorbed-glass-mat, or gel-lead-acid batteries. The best of these are the gel types, delivering longer life and more power. However, lead-acid battery renewal was not over yet by far.
The Road To the Future of Lead-Acid Batteries
Recent interest in the field of safe, mass-energy storage has re-invigorated the lead acid battery industry. Several significant technological developments flowed from this, even though sealed lead-acid batteries are more bulky per unit of energy stored:
- Work on the surface area, and conductivity of electrodes has lead to improvements according to Philadelphia Scientific. Lead-acid batteries benefiting from this now boast faster charging and greater capacity.
- Advanced electrolyte formations have become available that greatly extend the overall life of lead-acid batteries. Reducing water loss stabilizes the electrolyte, and increases battery stability.
- Concerns over the environmental impacts of lead-acid batteries have spurred designs that simplify material recycling. These also reduce emissions and energy consumption during manufacture.
These improvements, coupled with greater battery safety, are awakening increasing interest in lead-acid energy storage. Lead acid batteries use a water-based electrolyte that cannot catch fire. This is another great advantage attracting growing attention.
More Information
Two Basic Lead-Acid Battery Designs
Gel Lead-Acid Batteries And Solar Panels
