Abstract: This paper discusses new developments in lead-acid battery chemistry and the importance of the system approach for implementation of battery energy storage for renewable energy and grid applications.
Lead–acid batteries may be flooded or sealed valve-regulated (VRLA) types and the grids may be in the form of flat pasted plates or tubular plates. The various constructions have different technical performance and can be adapted to particular duty cycles. Batteries with tubular plates offer long deep cycle lives.
As low-cost and safe aqueous battery systems, lead-acid batteries have carved out a dominant position for a long time since 1859 and still occupy more than half of the global battery market [3, 4]. However, traditional lead-acid batteries usually suffer from low energy density, limited lifespan, and toxicity of lead [5, 6].
Lead–acid batteries exist in a large variety of designs and sizes. There are vented or valve regulated batteries. Products are ranging from small sealed batteries with about 5 Ah (e.g., used for motor cycles) to large vented industrial battery systems for traction purposes with up to 500 Ah.
Lead batteries are very well established both for automotive and industrial applications and have been successfully applied for utility energy storage but there are a range of competing technologies including Li-ion, sodium-sulfur and flow batteries that are used for energy storage.
As they are not expensive compared to newer technologies, lead–acid batteries are widely used even when surge current is not important and other designs could provide higher energy densities.