What is a Lead-acid battery?

A lead-acid battery is one of the oldest types of rechargeable batteries, invented in 1859 by French engineer Gaston Planté. It uses lead dioxide (PbO₂) as the positive electrode, sponge lead (Pb) as the negative electrode, and diluted sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) as the electrolyte. These batteries are widely used in automobiles, industrial backup systems, UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supplies), and solar energy storage. Lead-acid batteries are known for their low cost, reliability, and ability to deliver high surge currents, making them ideal for applications like engine starting. They are also relatively tolerant to overcharging and have a simple, easy-to-maintain structure. However, they have low energy density, are heavy, may require maintenance such as water refilling, and suffer from limited cycle life compared to newer technologies like lithium-ion batteries.

There are two main types: flooded (wet cell), which requires periodic maintenance, and sealed (maintenance-free or VRLA), which is more convenient for many users. Despite newer technologies, lead-acid batteries remain widely used due to their cost-effectiveness and proven performance.

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