Lead acid batteries are rechargeable batteries consisting of lead plates with a sulfuric acid/water electrolyte solution. Car batteries and deep cycle batteries use lead acid technology. All batteries have positive and negative terminals, marked (+) and (-) respectively, and two corresponding electrodes.
There are two major types of lead–acid batteries: flooded batteries, which are the most common topology, and valve-regulated batteries, which are subject of extensive research and development [4,9]. Lead acid battery has a low cost ($300–$600/kWh), and a high reliability and efficiency (70–90%) .
The lead–acid battery is a type of rechargeable battery first invented in 1859 by French physicist Gaston Planté. It is the first type of rechargeable battery ever created. Compared to modern rechargeable batteries, lead–acid batteries have relatively low energy density. Despite this, they are able to supply high surge currents.
Valve regulated lead acid (VRLA) batteries are similar in concept to sealed lead acid (SLA) batteries except that the valves are expected to release some hydrogen near full charge.
The use of lead acid battery in commercial application is somewhat limited even up to the present point in time. This is because of the availability of other highly efficient and well fabricated energy density batteries in the market.
Compared to modern rechargeable batteries, lead–acid batteries have relatively low energy density. Despite this, they are able to supply high surge currents. These features, along with their low cost, make them attractive for use in motor vehicles to provide the high current required by starter motors.