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Last Updated: Sep 2009
Last Updated: Sep 2009
The BCI Group Number defines lead acid batteries by describing the following characteristics: A.) Its maximum dimensions (L x W x H), B.) Voltage (6 volt or 12 volt), C.) Post configuration, D.) The type of terminal used (top, side, flag, etc.). It should be noted that the BCI (Battery Council International) Group Number does not designate a battery's capacity; it merely defines the above listed physical characteristics.
There are three common types of lead acid batteries: flooded (or wet), absorbed glass mat (AGM), and gel cell.
Flooded (or wet) lead acid batteries are those where the electrodes / plates are immersed in electrolyte. Since gases created during charging are vented to the atmosphere, distilled water must be added occasionally to bring the electrolyte back to its required level. The most familiar example of a flooded lead acid cell is the 12V automobile battery.
Absorbed glass mat (AGM) batteries are a type of sealed lead acid or valve-regulated lead acid (VRLA) battery where the electrolyte is immobilized. A highly porous and absorbent microfiber glass mat, which is partially filled with electrolyte of the desired specific gravity, is used as the separator.
Gel cell batteries are a type of sealed lead acid or valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA) battery. In gel cell lead acid batteries, fumed silica is added to the electrolyte, causing it to harden into a gel. On subsequent charges some water is lost, drying the gel until a network of cracks and fissures develops between the positive and negative electrodes providing a path for the oxygen recombination.
Some varieties of lead acid batteries are rechargeable. Newer varieties of lead acid batteries have been designed that are completely sealed, allowing for cleaner energy sources and a lowered environmental affect when recycled.
There are three common types of lead acid batteries: flooded (or wet), absorbed glass mat (AGM), and gel cell.
Flooded (or wet) lead acid batteries are those where the electrodes / plates are immersed in electrolyte. Since gases created during charging are vented to the atmosphere, distilled water must be added occasionally to bring the electrolyte back to its required level. The most familiar example of a flooded lead acid cell is the 12V automobile battery.
Absorbed glass mat (AGM) batteries are a type of sealed lead acid or valve-regulated lead acid (VRLA) battery where the electrolyte is immobilized. A highly porous and absorbent microfiber glass mat, which is partially filled with electrolyte of the desired specific gravity, is used as the separator.
Gel cell batteries are a type of sealed lead acid or valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA) battery. In gel cell lead acid batteries, fumed silica is added to the electrolyte, causing it to harden into a gel. On subsequent charges some water is lost, drying the gel until a network of cracks and fissures develops between the positive and negative electrodes providing a path for the oxygen recombination.
Some varieties of lead acid batteries are rechargeable. Newer varieties of lead acid batteries have been designed that are completely sealed, allowing for cleaner energy sources and a lowered environmental affect when recycled.
Lead acid batteries are made up of plates, lead, and lead oxide with a 35% sulfuric acid and 65% water electrolyte solution. Lead acid batteries represent almost 60% of all batteries sold worldwide. They are used for starting, lighting, and ignition (SLI) service on automobiles and trucks, as well as providing power for automobiles, forklifts, submarines, and almost all other motive vehicles. Lead acid batteries are noted for their ability to withstand varied forms of maltreatment, and are often used as back-up power sources should the primary battery or electrical power fail.
Lead acid batteries use a simple set of reactions to provide energy. All styles of these batteries use the same active materials. The positive electrode is lead dioxide (PbO2), which is converted to lead sulfate (PbSO4), while the negative electrode is a spongy metallic lead (Pb), which is also converted to lead sulfate (PbSO4). The electrolyte is a dilute mixture of sulfuric acid that provides the sulfate ion for the discharge reactions.
Lead acid batteries use a simple set of reactions to provide energy. All styles of these batteries use the same active materials. The positive electrode is lead dioxide (PbO2), which is converted to lead sulfate (PbSO4), while the negative electrode is a spongy metallic lead (Pb), which is also converted to lead sulfate (PbSO4). The electrolyte is a dilute mixture of sulfuric acid that provides the sulfate ion for the discharge reactions.
