The first lead battery storage device comprised a rolled sandwich of rubber strips between two lead sheets. This evolved over approximately a century to solid lead plates, separated by diluted liquid sulfuric acid baby boomers remember. Today we discuss the main types of lead acid batteries in use today, and their applications.
Main Types of Lead Acid Batteries – Pros and Cons
Absorbent Glass Mat Lead Batteries
Absorbent glass mat batteries do away with free-flowing diluted sulfuric acid, that can cause burns if a case cracks open in an accident. The mat arrangement also substantially improves battery efficiency, and allows mounting and storage in any position. However, acid gas build up and venting still occur, and the gas is volatile.
Gel Electrolyte Lead Batteries
Gel electrolyte lead batteries improve the design further, by combining diluted sulfuric acid with a silica gel. This produces a stiff paste electrolyte, able to withstand higher and lower temperature extremes. However, the gel slows down the flow of electrons shuttling the energy. Hence, off-grid electricity storage is the main application for these types of lead acid batteries.
Maintenance Free, Sealed and VRLA
There’s no difference to be honest. Some marketers like to distinguish their lead batteries using terms like ‘maintenance free’, and ‘valve regulated lead acid VRLA’. We call UPS Battery Center’s products ‘sealed’ because that’s what they are. Safely sealed, and sealed for long life.
And Safely Sealed for a Second Life Too!
All UPS Battery Center lead acid batteries qualify for recycling at government authorized plants. However, we powerfully recommend not stripping them down to find out what is inside. A flat lead battery can still pack a punch. Moreover, lead is toxic for humans, and the silica-acid gel can cause skin burns and harm eyes. Please avoid this happening. Hand in your old batteries for recycling instead.
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Affordable Lead Acid Batteries are Dependable
Pros and Cons of Lead Acid Batteries in Use
Preview Image: A Lead Battery Recycling Facility
