Lead-acid batteries most successful example of circular economy
- March 15, 2024
- Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
- Category: DPN Topics
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Lead-acid batteries most successful example of circular economy
Subject: Science and tech
Section: Msc
Context:
Amara Raja Energy & Mobility Limited is among the largest lead-acid battery manufacturers in India, clocking in a revenue of over Rs 10,000 crore in FY23.
What is a lead acid battery?
- A lead acid battery is a rechargeable battery that uses lead and sulphuric acid to function.
- The lead is submerged into the sulphuric acid to allow a controlled chemical reaction.
- This chemical reaction is what causes the battery to produce electricity.
- Then, this reaction is reversed to recharge the battery.
- The main benefit of the lithium-ion technology is its far superior energy density.
- The lead-acid battery and its ecosystem is the most successful example of a circular economy– 99 per cent of a lead-acid battery is recyclable and can be brought back in as raw materials.
Lead-Acid vs Lithium-Ion Batteries
Features | Lead-Acid | Lithium-Ion Batteries |
The Materials Used |
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Cost |
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Cycle life |
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Cost
- Lead-acid batteries are cheaper and are easier to install when compared to Lithium-ion batteries.
- The price of a lithium-ion battery is two times higher than a lead-acid battery with the same capacity.
Cycle life
- A lead-acid battery lasts for 300 to 500 cycles.
- The complete discharge of the battery significantly affects its life cycle.
- Usually, lithium-ion batteries possess a cycle life of 5000, and complete discharge does not affect the life cycle.
Battery Capacity
- Battery capacity is the amount of energy stored in a battery per unit volume.
- It is a direct indicator of the active material stored inside the battery.
- Lithium batteries have higher battery capacity when compared to lead-acid batteries.
Energy Density or Specific Energy
- Energy density is a significant factor in determining the type of battery needed for a specific application.
- It indicates the relation between battery capacity and the weight of the battery.
- Energy Density = (Nominal Battery Voltage (V) x Rated Battery Capacity (Ah)) ÷ Weight of Battery.
- Lithium batteries have high specific energy when compared to lead-acid batteries.
- Hence, Li-ion batteries are used in EV applications.
Charging time:
- If a lead-acid battery takes eight hours to charge, a lithium-ion battery would probably take less than two hours to charge, provided they both have the same capacity.
Weight and Size
- The energy density and battery capacity value of lithium batteries are high when compared to lead-acid batteries.
- Therefore, the weight and size of lithium batteries are much lower in comparison to lead-acid batteries with the same capacity.
Depth of Discharge (DOD)
- The depth of discharge is 50% for lead-acid batteries, and 80% for lithium batteries, respectively.
- This means you can use the lithium-ion battery for a longer period without recharging.
- The modern li-ion battery that is manufactured today is even more efficient, with a DOD of 100%.