Advantages of lead-acid batteries

The relatively heavy weight of lead-acid batteries in relation to the useable performance has advantages for forklift trucks and other tractors (as counterweight or ballast), but is a great disadvantage for other traction systems such as electric road vehicles and mobile electric power supplies. Results in development with the aim to increase the specific energy and performance of battery systems and the minimization of their maintenance also have an impact on the employment of vehicles for materials handling. 

Despite the recent rapid development of secondary lithium ion/lithium polymer batteries, advanced technology development, designs, and fabrication processes are still being developed and introduced into the lead-acid battery industry. Table 1.1 shows the major advantages and disadvantages of lead-acid batteries. 

Most types of lead-acid batteries are not suitable for fast charging. Normally, a full charge takes 14 to 16 hours, and lead-acid batteries must always be stored at a full state of charge. A low charge causes sulfation, which contributes to the degradation of battery performance. Lead-acid batteries work well at cold temperatures and are superior to lithium-ion ones when operating in subzero conditions. Table 1.17 lists the advantages and limitations of common lead-acid batteries in use today. 

TABLE 23.1 Major Advantages and Disadvantages of Lead-Acid Batteries... 

Lead-acid batteries remain popular because of their capability to seiwice high and low current demand, produce high voltage, provide capacity up to 100 A-h, and recharge well. Moreover, the lead-acid battery has important material and construction advantages, such as simple fabrication of lead components, the low cost of materials (lead is abundant and much less expen-... 

Table 7.15 Advantages and disadvantages of the lead-acid battery...

The main advantages of Ni/Cd over lead-acid batteries is the higher discharge rate possible and the longer cycle life. At an 8-hour discharge rate (C/8), the two batteries may be nearly equal in energy density, but at a 30 minute rate (2C) the Ni/Cd battery still performs well whereas the lead-acid battery can barely work, losing 80% of its capacity or more. 

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