Lead Acid Batteries: Uses, Disposal, Pros & Cons
- Sylvia Rose
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
Lead acid batteries are found in electric vehicles, backup power systems, golf carts, factory forklifts and more. A notable variation is the silver-calcium battery.
About Lead-Acid Batteries
A lead-acid battery is rechargeable. It works through chemical reactions among lead, lead oxide, and sulfuric acid to store and release electrical energy.
Lead acid batteries are known for high surge current capabilities. This is great when a burst of power is needed, as in starting a car.
They're favored for efficient energy storage and delivery. Lead acid batteries are made of lead dioxide as the positive plate, sponge lead as the negative plate, and diluted sulfuric acid as the electrolyte.
Lead Acid Battery Components
Positive Electrode (Anode): This is composed of lead dioxide (PbO2) paste coated on a lead grid. During discharge, the lead dioxide reacts with sulfuric acid.
Negative Electrode (Cathode): Made of spongy metallic lead (Pb), it's also coated on a lead grid. During discharge, the lead reacts with sulfuric acid.
Electrolyte: A solution of sulfuric acid (H2SO4) diluted with water, it facilitates chemical reactions between the electrodes.
Separator: A porous, non-conductive material prevents direct contact between the positive and negative plates, protecting from short circuits while allowing ion flow.
Container (Case): A durable enclosure, usually made of plastic, houses and protects the components.
Terminals: Positive and negative terminals connect the battery to an external circuit.
Creation Process
Lead and lead dioxide electrodes are prepared and immersed in an electrolyte solution. As the battery charges, chemical reactions convert lead sulfate back to lead dioxide and sponge lead. The average battery supports over 1,200 charge and discharge cycles.
Grid Casting: Lead alloy grids are cast, providing a framework for the active materials.
Paste Application: Lead dioxide paste (for the positive electrode) and spongy lead paste (for the negative electrode) are applied to the grids.
Curing: The pasted grids undergo a curing process to strengthen the bond between the paste and the grid.
Plate Formation: The plates are formed through a chemical process of "formation" or "charging." It converts the lead pastes to active materials: lead dioxide at the positive plate and spongy lead at the negative.
Assembly: The positive and negative plates are interleaved with separators, and these "cell groups" are placed into the battery container.
Electrolyte Filling: The battery is filled with sulfuric acid electrolyte.
Sealing and Testing: The battery is sealed, tested for voltage and capacity and ready for distribution.
Uses of Lead-Acid Batteries
Automotive: Starting, lighting, and ignition (SLI) systems in cars, trucks, and motorcycles. These batteries are used in up to 99% of all vehicles manufactured.
Backup Power: Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) for computers and critical equipment, data centers, emergency lighting, and alarm systems.
Renewable Energy: They store energy generated by solar panels and wind turbines.
Industrial Equipment: Forklifts, golf carts, mobility scooters and other electric vehicles use lead-acid batteries.
Telecommunications: They provide backup power for communication systems.
Lead-Acid Battery Disposal
Lead-acid batteries contain lead, a heavy metal, and highly corrosive sulfuric acid. These can cause environmental contamination and health risks.
Recycling: The vast majority of lead-acid batteries are recycled. Lead and other valuable materials are recovered and reused in new batteries or other products.
Authorized Collection Centers: Batteries should be taken to authorized collection centers or recycling facilities. Many auto parts stores and battery retailers offer battery recycling programs.
Landfill Bans: Regions enforce laws to prohibit disposing of lead acid batteries in landfills due to environmental hazards.
Silver-Calcium Batteries
Silver-calcium batteries are a specialized type of lead-acid battery. The lead grids are alloyed with silver oxide (Ag2O) and calcium (Ca). This gives several advantages.
Reduced Water Loss: Calcium reduces water loss due to self-discharge and overcharging, making the battery maintenance-free or low-maintenance.
Improved Corrosion Resistance: Silver resists corrosion, extending the battery's lifespan.
Enhanced Performance: Silver can improve cold cranking performance, especially beneficial in colder climates.
Silver-calcium batteries are more expensive than standard lead-acid batteries. They're used for high-demand functions as in military and aerospace systems.
Pros & Cons of Lead Acid Batteries
Pros
High Surge Current: Excellent for applications requiring large bursts of power.
Relatively Inexpensive: Generally more affordable than newer battery technologies like lithium-ion. Lead acid batteries are generally less expensive to produce, costing around 30-50% less than lithium-ion alternatives.
Well-Established Technology: Mature technology with a long history of reliable performance.
High Recyclability: Lead-acid batteries are highly recyclable, reducing environmental impact with over 95% of components being recyclable.
Cons
Heavy Weight: Lead makes them heavier than alternative battery types.
Lower Energy Density: They store less energy for their size and weight compared to lithium-ion batteries.
Environmental Concerns: Contain lead and sulfuric acid, requiring careful disposal and recycling.
Shorter Lifespan: Compared to some newer technologies, their lifespan can be limited, especially with deep cycling.
Facts About Lead Acid Batteries
The lead-acid battery is invented in 1859 by French physicist Gaston Planté. As the first rechargeable battery technology, lead acid batteries open the way for modern battery innovations.
Lead-acid battery technology has remained largely unchanged for over a century.
The recycling rate for lead-acid batteries is one of the highest of any consumer product.
Although commonly referred to as a "12-volt battery," a standard lead-acid car battery actually consists of six individual cells, each producing 2.1 volts
Lead acid batteries make up 30% of the global battery market share.
The emergence of valve-regulated lead acid (VRLA) batteries or sealed batteries introduces maintenance-free options, safer and easier to use.
READ: Lora Ley Adventures - Germanic Mythology Fiction Series
READ: Reiker For Hire - Victorian Detective Murder Mysteries