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

FeaturesLead-AcidLithium-Ion Batteries
The Materials Used 
  • In a lead-acid battery, lead is used as the anode, and lead oxide is used as a cathode.
  • Lead-acid batteries use sulphuric acid as an electrolyte
  • In a lithium-ion battery, carbon is used as the anode, and lithium oxide is used as the cathode.
  • Li-ion batteries use lithium salt as an electrolyte.
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.

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%.
Lead-acid batteries most successful example of circular economy Science and tech