1. Fundamental definition
Electrical energy can be obtained through various forms of energy quality changes. Among them, the installation that converts chemical energy into electrical energy is called a chemical battery, which is generally simply referred to as a battery. Batteries can be divided into primary batteries and storage batteries.
A primary battery, also known as a disposable battery, is one in which the internal active substances cannot be regenerated by charging after discharge.
A battery that can regenerate the internal active substances through charging after discharge, store electrical energy as chemical energy, and convert the chemical energy back into electrical energy when needed for discharge is called a storage battery, also known as a secondary battery.
2. Common technical terms
Charging: When a battery acquires electrical energy from another DC power source, it is called charging.
Discharge: When a battery outputs electrical energy to an external circuit, it is called discharging.
Float charge and discharge: When a battery is connected in parallel with another DC power supply and outputs electrical energy to the external circuit, it is called float charge and discharge. For equipment with discontinuous power supply requests, the batteries that serve as backup power sources are all in this kind of discharge state.
Electromotive force: The potential difference measured between the positive and negative poles when the external circuit is disconnected, that is, when no current passes through the battery, is called the electromotive force of the battery.
Terminal voltage: The potential difference between the positive and negative terminals of a battery after the circuit is closed is called the battery voltage or terminal voltage
Ampere-hour capacity: The unit of battery capacity is ampere-hours, that is: battery capacity Q (ampere-hours) = i-discharge × t-discharge. I-discharge is the discharge current (ampere-hours).
t discharge is the discharge time (in hours).
The power efficiency (ampere-hour efficiency) : The ratio of the output power to the input power is called the power efficiency of the battery, also known as the ampere-hour efficiency.
The power efficiency (%) = (Q discharge ÷Q charge) ×100% = (I discharge ×t discharge) ÷ (I charge ×I charge) ×100%
Q-discharge and Q-charge are respectively the discharge and charge capacities (ampere-hours).
Free discharge: The loss of battery capacity caused by the partial action of the battery. The ratio of capacity loss to the capacity before placement is called the free discharge rate of the battery
Free discharge rate (%) = (Q1 – Q2) ÷Q1×100%
Q1 represents the discharge capacity before placement (ampere-hours).
Q2 represents the discharge capacity after placement (ampere-hours)
Service life: Each time a battery is charged or discharged, it is called a charge-discharge cycle. The number of charge-discharge cycles that a battery can complete while maintaining a certain output capacity is called the service life of the battery.
(2) Lead-acid batteries
1. Definition
Lead-acid batteries are a type of storage battery. Their main feature is that they use dilute sulfuric acid as the electrolyte and lead dioxide and velvety lead as the positive and negative electrodes respectively. They are acidic storage batteries.
2. Classification
According to the structure of the battery plates, there are structured batteries, paste-coated batteries and tubular batteries.
According to the battery cover and structure, there are open-mouth type, vented type, acid-proof explosion-proof type and sealed valve-regulated type batteries.
Classified by the maintenance method of the battery: there are ordinary type, low-maintenance type and maintenance-free type batteries.
According to relevant norms and regulations in our country, the main series of battery products include:
Starting battery: Mainly used for starting and lighting in automobiles, tractors, diesel engine ships, etc.
Fixed type batteries: Mainly used in communication, power plants, and computer systems as backup power sources for maintenance and automatic control.
Traction type batteries: Mainly used as power sources for various battery vehicles, forklifts, loaders, etc.
Railway batteries: Mainly used for the power of starting and lighting in diesel locomotives, electric locomotives and passenger cars on railways.
Motorcycle batteries: Mainly used for starting and lighting of motorcycles of various specifications.
Coal mine batteries: Mainly used as the power source for the traction of electric locomotives.
Storage batteries: Mainly used for storing electrical energy in wind and hydropower generation.
3. Basic Structure: Lead-acid batteries are mainly composed of the following parts:
1. Hard rubber groove 2. Negative plate 3. Positive plate 4. Partition 5. Saddle 6. Busbar
7. Sealing glue 8. Battery case cover 9. Connecting strip 10. Terminal post 11. Exhaust plug
Positive and negative plates
The plates of lead-acid batteries can be classified into four types based on their structure and the formation methods of active materials: paste-coated plates, tubular plates, formed plates, and semi-formed plates. The paste-coated plate is composed of a grid and active material. The function of the grid is to support the active material and conduct the current, and to evenly distribute the current. The grid material is made of common lead-antimony alloy, while maintenance-free batteries use lead-calcium alloy. The main component of the positive electrode active material is lead dioxide, and that of the negative electrode active material is velvety lead.
Partition
Battery separators are made of materials such as microporous rubber and glass fiber. Their main functions are:
Avoid short circuits between the positive and negative plates; Enable the positive and negative ions in the electrolyte to pass through smoothly. Slow down the shedding of active materials on the positive and negative plates to prevent damage to the positive and negative plates due to vibration.
Electrolyte
The electrolyte is an important component of a storage battery. Its function is to conduct current and participate in electrochemical reactions
The electrolyte is prepared from concentrated sulfuric acid and purified water (deionized water). The purity and density of the electrolyte have a significant impact on the battery capacity and lifespan.
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Post time: Jan-04-2026