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Since the electrical energy is not formed inside the cell, but rather stored until it is supplied by an external source, the lead accumulator is classified as a secondary cell.
The cell reactions are reversible if the applied external emf is significantly larger than the cell’s emf, making it a reversible cell. As a result, total cell responses in this cell are reversed by external opposition to e.m.f greater than the cell’s e.m.f.
The size of the electrodes and the size of the cell have no effect on the voltage of the cells, but the strength of the sulphuric acid solution does.
Construction:
Lead plates in the form of a negative electrode are used in the lead accumulator. The lead plates, which are brimming with lead oxide, act as positive electrodes. The positive and negative electrodes are arranged in a counterclockwise direction.
This collection of lead plates is immersed in a non-conducting tank constructed of plastic, glass, or ebonite, all of which are non-conductors of electricity and contain 38% hydrogen.
All of the positive plates are linked to one another, and all of the negative plates are linked to one another.
Working:
Cell Discharging: When the cell is turned on, oxidation takes place on the lead plates, followed by reduction using PbO (Lead Oxide). The discharge of the cell is the term for this.
The Negative Electrode’s Reaction (Anode)
At the positive electrode, the reaction occurs (cathode)
Now we’ll look at the cell’s overall reaction as it’s being discharged.
As a result, when sulphuric acid is discharged, it is transformed to H2O (water) and the specific gravity of sulphuric acid is reduced to “1.17.”
Cell charging: When the emf operating outside is greater than the emf applied to the cell, accurate reverse reactions occur. On positive electrodes, oxidation occurs, while on negative electrodes, reduction occurs. The charging of the cell is the term for this process.
Uses of a Lead Accumulator:
As a result of their widespread use in automobiles and other vehicles, lead accumulators are commonly referred to as “car batteries.” Six cells are usually connected in series to provide a voltage of 12V.
In telegraph and telephone offices, lead accumulators are used.
They have access to radios, electric clocks, and burglar alarms, among other things.
They are used as a continuous DC voltage source in scientific laboratories.
Charging a Lead Acid Battery
The sulphuric acid in the lead discharge battery breaks down and must be refilled. The plates might change their structure on their own at times. The battery will eventually become less efficient and will need to be charged or replaced.
When automotive batteries are left in their drained states for long periods of time, the lead sulphate build-up can be difficult to remove. Lead-acid batteries must be charged as soon as possible for this reason (to prevent building up of lead sulfate). The lead batteries are normally charged by using an external current source.
The chemical reaction proceeds in the reverse direction once a plug is placed and connected to the lead-acid battery. The charging process may become ineffective in circumstances when the sulphuric acid in the battery (or another component of the battery) has decomposed. As a result, it’s a good idea to check the batteries on a regular basis.
Battery care guidelines for lead-acid batteries
Watering is the most overlooked aspect of flooded lead-acid battery care. We must check it periodically because overcharging depletes water. Less water causes oxidation in the plates, shortening the battery’s life. When necessary, add distilled or ionised water.
Check the vents; they need to be completed with rubber caps, which typically stick too tightly to the openings.
After each use, recharge lead-acid batteries. Sulfation occurs in the plates over a lengthy period without recharging.
Do not submerge the battery in water or charge it above 49 degrees Celsius. In a chilly environment, batteries should be fully charged because fully charged batteries are less likely to freeze than empty ones.
Deep drain of the battery to less than 1.7V per cell is not recommended.
To store a lead acid battery, it must first be fully charged before the electrolyte is drained. The battery will then become dry and can be stored for an extended amount of time.
Conclusion
The oldest type of rechargeable battery is a lead acid battery, often known as a lead storage battery. As an energy storage device, the battery is widely used. Even though lead-acid batteries are extremely reliable, their lifespan is limited. Lead-acid batteries can take or supply energy very instantly, depending on the power conversion technology. Temperature has an effect on lead-acid batteries, which is why they require maintenance to extend their life.
