Flooded Lead Acid

What is a Lead-Acid Battery? 

In its simplest form, a battery is a device that stores chemical energy and converts it to electrical energy. 

Batteries have three main components: 

• Anode (the negative side), where energy flows out of the battery. 
• Cathode (the positive side), where energy flows into the battery. 
• Electrolyte, a liquid or gel that reacts with the anode and cathode. 

In a lead-acid battery, the anode is connected to lead plates on one side of the box, and the cathode is connected to lead dioxide plates on the opposite side. The middle is made up of alternating lead and lead dioxide plates surrounded by sulfuric acid (the electrolyte). 

When the reaction is initiated, a current flows from the lead oxide cathode to the lead anode. The lead gives up electrons that the lead dioxide accepts, converting both plates into solid lead sulfate. The supply of energy and external resistance discharges the battery. 

Flooded (or wet cell) batteries contain liquid that is a mixture of sulfuric acid and distilled water. Flooded batteries release gas as they discharge and need to be placed upright to prevent leaking. Flooded batteries also need to be watered from time to time to remain in good working condition.