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Chapter 1

1. Batteries convert stored chemical energy into electrical energy through electrochemical cells. They have been in use since 1800 when Alessandro Volta invented the first battery. 2. A battery consists of one or more electrochemical cells that use redox reactions between anodes and cathodes to generate a flow of electrons from the negative to positive terminals. 3. Batteries are either primary batteries that are single-use or secondary batteries that can be recharged by applying electrical energy to reverse the cell's chemical reactions.

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97 views4 pages

Chapter 1

1. Batteries convert stored chemical energy into electrical energy through electrochemical cells. They have been in use since 1800 when Alessandro Volta invented the first battery. 2. A battery consists of one or more electrochemical cells that use redox reactions between anodes and cathodes to generate a flow of electrons from the negative to positive terminals. 3. Batteries are either primary batteries that are single-use or secondary batteries that can be recharged by applying electrical energy to reverse the cell's chemical reactions.

Uploaded by

Pritjot Gill
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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CHAPTER 1 : INTRODUCTION TO BATTERIES

An electrical battery is one or more electrochemical cells that convert stored chemical energy
into electrical energy. Since the invention of the first battery in 1800 by Alessandro Volta,
batteries have become a common power source for many household and industrial
applications.
Batteries are represented symbolically as

Fig. 1.1 Symbolic view
Electrons flow from the negative terminal towards the positive terminal.

1.1 Terminologies

1.1.1 Accumulator - A rechargeable battery or cell

1.1.2 Ampere-Hour Capacity - The number of ampere-hours which can be
delivered by a battery on a single discharge.

1.1.3 Anode - The anode gives up electrons to the load circuit and dissolves into the
electrolyte.

1.1.4 C - Used to signify a charge or discharge rate equal to the capacity of a battery
divided by 1 hour. Thus C for a 1600 mAh battery would be 1.6 A, C/5 for the
same battery would be 320 mA and C/10 would be 160 mA.

1.1.5 Capacity - The capacity of a battery is a measure of the amount of energy that
it can deliver in a single discharge. Battery capacity is normally listed as amp-
hours (or milliamp-hours) or as watt-hours.

1.1.6 Cathode - Is an electrode that, in effect, oxidizes the anode or absorbs the
electrons..

1.1.7 Cycle - One sequence of charge and discharge.

1.1.8 Cycle Life - For rechargeable batteries, the total number of charge/discharge
cycles the cell can sustain before its capacity is significantly reduced. End of
life is usually considered to be reached when the cell or battery delivers only
80% of rated ampere- hour capacity.

1.1.9 Electrochemical Couple - The system of active materials within a cell that
provides electrical energy storage through an electrochemical reaction.

1.1.10 Electrode - An electrical conductor through which an electric current enters or
leaves a conducting medium

1.1.11 Electrolyte - A chemical compound which, when fused or dissolved in certain
solvents, usually water, will conduct an electric current.

1.1.12 Internal Resistance - The resistance to the flow of an electric current within
the cell or battery.

1.1.13 Open-Circuit Voltage - The difference in potential between the terminals of a
cell when the circuit is open (i.e., a no-load condition).
1.2 Principal of Operation

A battery is a device that converts chemical energy directly to electrical energy. It consists of
a number of voltaic cells. Each voltaic cell consists of two half cells connected in series by a
conductive electrolyte containing anions and cations. One half-cell includes electrolyte and
the electrode to which anions (negatively charged ions) migrate, i.e., the anode or negative
electrode. The other half-cell includes electrolyte and the electrode to which cations
(positively charged ions) migrate, i.e., the cathode or positive electrode. In the redox reaction
that powers the battery, cations are reduced (electrons are added) at the cathode, while anions
are oxidized (electrons are removed) at the anode. The electrodes do not touch each other but
are electrically connected by the electrolyte. Some cells use two half-cells with different
electrolytes. A separator between half cells allows ions to flow, but prevents mixing of the
electrolytes.

Fig. 1.2 Principle of operation
Each half cell has an electromotive force (or emf), determined by its ability to drive
electric current
1.3 Types of batteries
Batteries are classified into two broad categories.
Primary batteries irreversibly (within limits of practicality) transform chemical energy
to electrical energy. When the initial supply of reactants is exhausted, energy cannot be
readily restored to the battery by electrical means.
Secondary batteries can be recharged. That is, they can have their chemical reactions
reversed by supplying electrical energy to the cell, restoring their original
composition.Devices to supply the appropriate current are called chargers or rechargers.

Fig. 1.3Primary cell Fig. 1.4 Secondary cell

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