Despite an apparently low energy density—30 to 40% of the theoretical limit versus 90% for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs)—lead–acid batteries are made from abundant low-cost materials and nonflammable water-based electrolyte, while manufacturing practices that operate at 99% recycling rates substantially minimize environmental impact.
What is a lead-acid battery?
1. Introduction Lead-acid batteries are a type of battery first invented by French physicist Gaston Planté in 1859, which is the first type of rechargeable battery ever created. Compared to modern rechargeable batteries, lead-acid batteries have relatively low energy density.
Lithium-ion batteries, for instance, have much higher energy density than traditional lead-acid batteries and are thus suitable for many applications, such as electric vehicles. We present here a selection of definitive references on new technologies and techniques to increase the energy density of batteries.
Why is energy density important in battery technology?
Increasing the energy density of batteries has been at the core of battery technology development. The progress in basic science and engineering has driven the emergence of generations of batteries with an increased energy density from Pb acid to Ni-Cd and Ni-MH and finally to Li ion.
How do current Li-ion batteries increase energy density?
Current Li-ion batteries based on intercalation cathode chemistry leave relatively little room to further enhance the energy density because the specific capacities of these cathodes approach the theoretical levels. Increasing the cell output voltage is a possible direction to largely increase the energy density of batteries.
Could a battery man-agement system improve the life of a lead–acid battery?
Implementation of battery man-agement systems, a key component of every LIB system, could improve lead–acid battery operation, efficiency, and cycle life. Perhaps the best prospect for the unuti-lized potential of lead–acid batteries is elec-tric grid storage, for which the future market is estimated to be on the order of trillions of dollars.
What happens if you put a lead-acid battery in high temperature?
Similar with other types of batteries, high temperature will degrade cycle lifespan and discharge efficiency of lead-acid batteries, and may even cause fire or explosion issues under extreme circumstances.