Lead-acid secondary batteries stationary

The lead-acid battery system is by far the least costly of the secondary batteries, particularly the SLI type. The lead-acid traction and stationary batteries, having more expensive constmctional features and not as broad a production base, are several times more costly, but are still less expensive than the other secondary batteries. The nickel-cadmium and the rechargeable zinc/manganese dioxide batteries are next lowest in cost, followed by the nickel/metal hydride battery. The cost is very dependent on the cell size or capacity, the smaller button cells being considerably more expensive than the larger cylindrical and prismatic cells. The nickel-iron battery is more expensive and, for this reason among others, lost out to the less expensive battery system. 

By far the largest sector of the battery industry worldwide is based on the lead-acid aqueous cell whose dominance is due to a combination of low cost, versatility and the excellent reversibility of the electrochemical system, Lead-acid cells have extensive use both as portable power sources for vehicle service and traction, and in stationary applications ranging from small emergency supplies to load levelling systems. In terms of sales, the lead-acid battery occupies over 50% of the entire primary and secondary market, with an estimated value of 100 billion per annum before retail mark-up. 

Since 1803, when Ritter invented the voltaic pile, rechargeable batteries have been known to exist [5]. The big breakthrough came in 1859, when Plante introduced the lead-acid battery [6]. Until today, this kind of secondary battery has been the most well-known electrochemical device. It is omnipresent in every car as a starter battery and also plays an important role in stationary energy storage (e.g. for uninterruptable power supplies). 

Particular attention is to be paid to sites in the vicinity of point sources of lead, i.e. primary lead smelters, secondary lead smelters, primary copper smelters, lead alkyl manufacturing plants, lead-acid battery plants producing more than 2000 batteries per day, as well as any other stationary source emitting 25 or more tons of lead per year [11]. 

Large battery installations which are called upon only occasionally to supply power, usually in emergency or auxiliary power supply circumstances, are referred to as stationary or standby batteries. Sueh installations having total capacities in hundreds of ampere hours are commonly in use. Figure 32.1 illustrates a large secondary lead-acid battery installation. 

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