Are lead-acid batteries a good choice for energy storage?

Lead–acid batteries have been used for energy storage in utility applications for many years but it has only been in recent years that the demand for battery energy storage has increased.

Do lead acid batteries degrade over time?

All rechargeable batteries degrade over time. Lead acid and sealed lead acid batteries are no exception. The question is, what exactly happens that causes lead acid batteries to die? This article assumes you have an understanding of the internal structure and make up of lead acid batteries.

Are lead-acid batteries corrosive?

Lead-acid batteries contain sulphuric acid and large amounts of lead. The acid is extremely corrosive and is also a good carrier for soluble lead and lead particulate. Lead is a highly toxic metal that produces a range of adverse health effects particularly in young children.

What happens if a lead acid battery is cycled too deep?

Plate buckling – see below. If lead acid batteries are cycled too deeply their plates can deform. Starter batteries are not meant to fall below 70% state of charge and deep cycle units can be at risk if they are regularly discharged to below 50%.

What happens if a lead acid battery is flooded?

If lead acid batteries are cycled too deeply their plates can deform. Starter batteries are not meant to fall below 70% state of charge and deep cycle units can be at risk if they are regularly discharged to below 50%. In flooded lead acid batteries this can cause plates to touch each other and lead to an electrical short.

Are lead batteries safe?

Safety needs to be considered for all energy storage installations. Lead batteries provide a safe system with an aqueous electrolyte and active materials that are not ammable.