Components of a Lead Acid Battery

Within the unassuming shell of a lead-acid battery lies a complex and meticulously designed ensemble of components, each with a specific role to play in the storage and release of electrical energy. From the sturdy battery case that serves as its protective armor to the positive and negative plates responsible for energy storage, and the sulfuric acid-based electrolyte facilitating the essential chemical reactions, the lead-acid battery is a marvel of engineering. 

As we embark on a journey to dissect and understand the key components that power our vehicles, backup systems, and countless other applications, we unveil the intricate dance of chemistry and mechanics that make lead-acid batteries an enduring and reliable choice in the world of energy storage.

Following are the components of a Lead Acid Battery

1. Battery Case: The battery case is like a sturdy shell that protects the internal components from damage and provides structural support.

2. Positive and Negative Plates: These plates are the main energy-storing components of the battery. The positive plate is made of lead dioxide (PbO2), while the negative plate is made of pure lead (Pb). They react with the electrolyte to generate electrical energy.

3. Electrolyte: The electrolyte is a mixture of sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and water (H2O). It facilitates the chemical reactions between the plates, allowing the battery to store and release electrical energy.

4. Separator: The separator is a porous material placed between the positive and negative plates. It prevents direct contact between the plates while allowing the flow of ions, enabling the movement of charge during the battery’s operation.

5. Terminal Posts: These are the connection points on the battery that allow for the transfer of electrical energy to external devices. They are typically made of metal and provide a secure connection.

6. Vent Caps: The vent caps are small openings on the battery case that allow the release of gases produced during the charging and discharging processes. They help maintain the optimal pressure inside the battery.

7. Handle: Some batteries come with handles for easy transportation and installation. They provide a convenient way to carry the battery and ensure a secure grip.

8. Battery Terminals: These are the metal connectors located on the battery’s top surface. They provide the electrical connection points for external devices or circuits.

9. Battery Grids: The grids are the supporting structures for the positive and negative plates. They are typically made of lead or lead alloy and help maintain the shape and integrity of the plates.

10. Battery Separator Envelopes: Some lead-acid batteries have separator envelopes made of glass mats or absorbent fiberglass material. These envelopes hold the electrolyte and prevent spills during battery operation.

11. Battery Insulation: Insulation materials, such as rubber or plastic, are used to cover and protect the battery terminals, preventing accidental short circuits.

12. Battery Plate Coating: The plates of a lead-acid battery are often coated with various materials to enhance their performance and longevity. These coatings can include lead oxide, lead sulfate, or other additives that improve the battery’s efficiency and resistance to degradation.

The additional components work together to create a reliable and efficient lead-acid battery.
When it comes to lead-acid battery manufacturers in India, one notable company is Sarex. Sarex is a prominent battery manufacturer based in Aligarh, India. We specialize in producing high-quality lead-acid batteries for various applications. As a trusted battery manufacturer in Aligarh, Sarex focuses on delivering reliable and durable batteries that meet the needs of its customers. Our expertise and commitment to quality make them a key player in the battery industry in India. If you’re looking for a reliable battery, Sarex is worth considering.

Lead acid batteries: Exploring the Diverse Applications

Lead-acid batteries have been a technology that has withstood the tests of time and still continue to stay relevant in times of changing technology. They are still widely used for a plethora of applications in different industries.

Lead acid batteries are reliable, cost effective and play a crucial role in powering a wide range of devices and systems. In this blog, we’ll look into some of the key applications of lead-acid batteries that highlight their enduring relevance.

What are the different applications of lead acid batteries:

1.Automotive Industry:

One of the most common applications of lead acid batteries are their usage in automobiles as a SLI or starting, ignition and lighting battery. These provide a high surge of current that starts the engine and also act as a power source for the fans, lights, ac and music system and other electrical components of the car or vehicle.

2.Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS):

UPS are widely used for critical applications in areas such as data centres, hospitals etc. Here the lead acid batteries have proven to be a reliable source of power to keep the operations continue without power cuts coming in between. There are many home inverter battery manufacturers in India that offer good quality batteries for UPS and inverters like Sarex that design batteries with longer backup. 

3.Renewable Energy Storage:

To store renewable energy like solar power, and wind energy, lead acid batteries have been put to use widely. Many of the solar batteries have been the lead acid batteries that offer longer backup to offer power for the homes even when the sun is not shining. These batteries are used to store the excess electricity generated during the day by the solar panels. Thus ensuring the reduced reliance on the conventional electricity grids.

4.Telecommunications:

To ensure uninterrupted power during power outages, Telecommunication networks require a reliable power source. Lead-acid batteries are often used in telecom base stations to provide the necessary backup power for essential communication equipment.

5.Marine vehicles 

From fishing boats to motor boats lead-acid batteries have been used to provide power to start up the engine and  power navigation equipment, lighting, etc in boats. 

6.Industrial Equipment:

Industrial equipment, such as forklifts, cleaning machines, loading and unloading machines, and material handling vehicles, use lead-acid batteries for their power needs. These batteries offer high current output and are able to withstand the extreme conditions of industrial environments.

Conclusion

Lead-acid batteries have been around for quite a long time and may be considered “old-fashioned” in comparison to newer battery technologies, but their time tested technology and versatility have ensured their continued presence in various applications. Even though many of the newer battery technologies like lithium-ion are gaining ground, lead-acid batteries still hold an essential place in industries that require reliable, cost-effective power solutions. As technology advances, it will be interesting to see how lead-acid batteries continue to adapt and find new applications in an ever-evolving domain of energy storage.

Sarex is a trusted battery Manufacturer in India, offering a wide range of durable inverter batteries for home and commercial applications. Explore our batteries that are available in different capacities to suit your power requirements. Sarex is one of the reliable home inverter battery manufacturers in India that is well known for producing long lasting & efficient batteries.

Choosing the Best Inverter Battery: Essential Tips for a Reliable Power Backup Solution

When it comes to ensuring uninterrupted power supply, choosing the right inverter battery is crucial. Sarex, as a leading manufacturer of premium lead-acid batteries in India, understands the importance of reliable power backup.

In this blog, we will provide you with important tips to consider when purchasing an inverter battery. With our high-quality batteries designed for various applications, we are here to guide you in making an informed decision for a seamless power backup experience.

1.Assess Your Power Requirements:

Understanding your power requirements is the first step towards choosing the perfect inverter battery. Evaluate the appliances and equipment you need to power during outages. Calculate the total load in terms of wattage to determine the battery capacity that can meet your backup needs effectively.

2.Select the Right Battery Technology:

Lead-acid batteries remain a popular and trusted choice for inverter applications due to their reliability and affordability. At Sarex, we offer premium lead-acid batteries that are designed to deliver exceptional performance and durability.

Consider the following subtypes:

Flooded Lead-Acid Batteries:

Known for their ruggedness and dependability, flooded lead-acid batteries are suitable for areas with a stable power supply. They require regular maintenance, including water topping, to ensure optimal performance.

Tubular Batteries:

Tubular batteries are a reliable energy storage solution. With their advanced lead-acid technology, tubular positive plates and high cycle life, they provide efficient and long-lasting performance, making them ideal for backup power in both residential and commercial applications.

3.Determine the Battery Capacity:

Battery capacity is measured in ampere-hours (Ah) and determines the runtime of your inverter during a power outage. Consider the duration of backup you require and choose a battery with an adequate capacity to meet your needs. Sarex offers a wide range of battery capacities to cater to various backup requirements.

4.Quality and Durability:

Investing in a high-quality inverter battery ensures long-term performance and peace of mind. Look for batteries with superior build quality, corrosion-resistant components and robust construction.

Sarex batteries are crafted using premium materials and undergo rigorous quality checks to ensure durability and reliability even in challenging conditions.

5.Optimal Charging and Maintenance:

Efficient charging and proper maintenance play a crucial role in maximizing the lifespan of your inverter battery. Consider factors such as charging technology, compatibility with your inverter and the availability of maintenance guidelines. Sarex provides comprehensive user manuals and support to help you optimize the charging and maintenance of your battery.

6.Trust in a Reliable Brand:

When purchasing an inverter battery, choose a trusted brand with a proven track record. Sarex, with its expertise in manufacturing premium lead-acid batteries, has earned the trust of customers nationwide. We prioritize customer satisfaction and offer excellent after-sales service, ensuring a seamless experience throughout the lifecycle of your battery.

To conclude, choosing the right inverter battery is essential for a reliable power backup solution. With Sarex’s range of premium lead-acid batteries, you can enjoy uninterrupted power supply during outages. Consider your power requirements, battery technology, capacity, quality and maintenance aspects when making your purchase decision.

Trust Sarex to provide you with a dependable power backup solution that exceeds your expectations.

Lead Acid Batteries: Structure And Types

Lead acid batteries are one of the most commonly used batteries for vehicles and inverter use.

Besides this they are also used in solar applications, ups and other areas.

They have a very low energy to weight ratio but they have a longer life and less cost as compared to many of their counterparts. Many of the lead acid battery manufacturers keep innovating to get the best design for optimum performance.

What are lead acid batteries

Lead acid batteries are a type of rechargeable battery and they were invented by physicist Gaston Plantae and are one of the first rechargeable batteries ever created. 

Despite being low energy density they can still deliver high surges of current which are typically needed by the starter batteries.

 When compared to the latter technologies they come up as a convenient and inexpensive choice to meet power needs.

Structure of lead acid batteries

The lead acid batteries consist of two electrodes which are in the form of plates. The negative electrode is made up of porous lead and the positive electrode of lead oxide. These both electrodes are submerged in electrolyte which is a solution of sulfuric acid and water. Separators keep the electrode plates from sticking on each other and prevent short circuiting.

Electrical energy is stored inside the lead acid battery because of the reversible reaction that is happening inside it.

The reaction uses sulfate from the sulfuric acid for the formation of sulfate crystals and this leads to gradual concentrating of the electrolyte and this is the reason that water needs to be added to it.

1.Plate:

As mentioned earlier the plates of negative and positive electrodes are dipped in the electrolytic solution of sulfuric acid. The negative and positive electrodes have the active material pasted on grids. A number of alternate negative and positive plates are arranged inside the battery case. A plate has a grid on which the material is pasted.

The grid:

The grid is usually made of lead with a bit of additives to strengthen it and improve electricity flow. Addition of antimony helps them to carry more amount of pasted material which helps the plates to be thicker thereby increasing the battery life. Using grids of alloys rather than pure lead helps to garner more mechanical strength and low self discharge.

Using lead-calcium alloys helps to have a lower self discharge and less frequent  watering of the battery. Some make the grids using lead-selenium also. Different battery manufacturers innovate and come with the best and optimum design to make the batteries.

Active material:

The material which is actively involved in the chemical reaction to produce electrical energy is known as the active material. Here the porous lead in the negative electrode, lead oxide in the positive electrode and the electrolyte are the active materias. 

The active material is pasted on to the surface of the grid in the respective positive and negative electrodes. The chemical composition is unique with regards to each battery manufacturer.

Due to multiple charging and discharging cycles the paste on the grid degrades and it gets shed into the bottom of the battery.

2.Electrolyte

The electrolyte used is a mixture of sulfuric acid and water. During the charging process the sulfuric acid undergoes reaction with the lead in both the electrodes to produce lead sulfate. When the battery is discharging, the reverse happens.

3.Case

The plates once made and dried are inserted and placed inside the container made of plastic. The material used to form the outer casing or container should be non-reactive and should carry the contents inside properly. They are designed with ribs at the bottom on which the positive and negative electrodes rest. The containers should be sturdy enough to handle transportation and frequent handling.

4.Separators

The separators as the name suggests keep the negative and positive plate separated and thus prevents short circuiting and shedding of the material. The separators should be porous, permeable and have ionic conductivity. These days separators made of PVC and polythene are used commonly.

Types of lead acid batteries

1.Depending on the type of usage:

(a)Starter batteries:

Starter batteries are used mostly in the vehicles for starting, lighting and igniting them, hence they are also called SLI batteries. 

They have thinner plates to increase the surface area for reaction and produce a great amount of current for a short span of time to get the engine started.

(b)Deep cycle batteries:

Deep cycle batteries are meant to get discharged of most of their capacity and they provide long hours of power consistently. 

2.Depending on type of design:

(a)Flooded:

Based on the design,these are the most commonly used batteries in the battery industry. Going by their name, they are called flooded because of the sulfuric acid inside them which is free flowing and hence the batteries have to be taken care so as not to spill or leak it.

They are less expensive as compared to the valve regulated ones.

(b)Sealed type :

The Sealed type lead acid battery is also called the VRLA or Valve Regulated Lead Acid battery. Here the electrolyte is not free flowing rather it is present either as in a gel form or absorbed on to a glass mat.

The main two types of sealed lead acid battery are:

(1)Absorbent glass mat

(2)Gel Battery

The sealed type battery prevents the leakage and spilling  of the electrolyte.

Summary:

Lead acid batteries are a convenient and inexpensive way to store energy and have been used since a long time. 

If you want to buy lead acid batteries, then go for Sarex, which offers inverter and E-rickshaw batteries and is a trusted lead acid battery manufacturer. Visit their website at www.sarexindia.com and explore their wide range.