The Lead Acid Battery

The lead acid battery is a unique type of technology that remains as important today as it was when it was invented. While certainly there have been advances and evolutions in lead acid batteries that have made them more efficient, long-lasting, and easier to maintain, the central technology remains the same.

Lead acid batteries were first invented in 1859 by French physician Gaston Plante and quickly became world renown for being the first rechargeable battery available for commercial use. Now, over 150 years later, this battery is the oldest of all rechargeable batteries and remains incredibly relevant in his modern era. There is no other cost-effective alternative for things like cars, scooters, wheelchairs, marine systems, and much more. The following is a look at three important types of sealed lead batteries and how they continue to play a role across industries:

Sealed Lead Acid Batteries 

Wet Cell Batteries

Also commonly referred to as flooded lead acid batteries, this is the most common and widely used type of battery in the automotive industry. Part of its ubiquitousness is largely thanks to it being one of the most inexpensive batteries on the market for its capabilities. Wet cell batteries are comprised of positive and negative lead plates that are suspended within liquid sulfuric acid -- which is where the name comes from. However, it's important for wet cell batteries to be correctly and evenly mounted and maintained to prevent the inner sulfuric acid from draining out. In general, wet cell batteries need to be maintained at least once every six months.

Gel Batteries

Gel batteries are a newer type of lead acid battery that was introduced due to increasing demands for easier maintenance. Designed similarly to wet cell batteries, this version adds to the aforementioned sulfuric acid liquid silica and other absorbent media that transforms the liquid into a gel. This gel won't splash around within a battery nor is it at as high of a risk of leaking out, making it more stable and safer. Also, due to its gel substance, these batteries don't need to be, and cannot be opened up and refilled, making them significantly easier to maintain while still enjoying the long life-span of lead acid batteries. 

AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) Batteries

This is another type of lead acid battery that sought to improve upon the standard wet cell by changing how the plates were held in place. Here, sulfuric acid is still used, but a mesh of fiberglass is added in order to suspend the liquid and prevent it from leaking. Therefore, these batteries eliminate the risk of leakage and buyers can utilize them in a greater range of spaces. For example, because sailboats heel to one side when under sail, wet cell batteries were often considered dangerous due to their likelihood of leaking when not secured at an even level. But with AGM batteries, boat owners can enjoy the effectiveness of lead acid batteries without the risk of sulfuric acid splashing out. Plus, this type of battery is perhaps the most cost-effective. 

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