Print this page Electrical Fundamentals - Introduction to Batteries
A. Bhatia, B.E.
Course Outline
Batteries are the power source for millions of consumer, business, medical, military, and industrial appliances worldwide. Since different devices operate at different voltages and power levels, there is not a single battery that suits each application. There are many different types of batteries available in market that provides diverse capacity ratings, voltage levels and the storage capacities. This course will discuss the characteristics and application of different types of batteries in detail.
This 3-hr course
material is based entirely on Naval Education and Training Materials (NAVEDTRA
14173), Electricity and Electronic Training Series; Module-1 "Introduction
to matter, energy and direct current" and covers Chapter 2.
This course includes
a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding
of course materials.
Learning Objective
At the conclusion of this course, the student will be able to:
- State the purpose of a cell;
- Identify the parts and state the purpose of a cell;
- Explain the chemical process that takes place in the primary and secondary cells;
- Recognize and define the terms electrochemical action, anode, cathode, and electrolyte;
- State the causes of polarization and local action and describe methods of preventing these effects;
- Identify the various cells in use today and some of their capabilities and limitations;
- Define a battery, and identify the three ways of combining cells to form a battery;
- Describe general maintenance procedures for batteries including the use of the hydrometer, battery capacity, and rating and battery charging; and
- Observe the
safety precautions for working with and around batteries.
Intended Audience
This course is aimed at students, professional engineers, service technicians, energy auditors, operational & maintenance personnel, facility engineers and general audience.
Course Introduction
A battery is a device that generates an electrical current by chemical reaction. Batteries operate on a simple theory: two dissimilar metals in contact with an electrolyte will produce a flow of electrons (electricity) when all elements are in contact with each other.
Rechargeable batteries used in critical backup power applications varying a lot in chemistry, construction and size. Designs vary according to the usage requirements, such as power draw, form factor, storage capacities and operating temperatures. To fit in a specific application:
- The battery's operating voltage must be matched to that of the device;
- The correct battery capacity must be selected in order to provide the necessary operating time for the device;
- The battery
must be able to deliver the power required.
Course Content
Introduction to Matter, Energy and Direct Current (Chapter 2, NAVEDTRA 14173)
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Course Summary
A battery is a
portable, backup power device that generates an electrical current by chemical
reaction. There are many different types of batteries but they all store energy
as chemical potential - i.e. two chemicals react in a solution to create a circuit.
There are four basic elements that make up a battery: the anode, the cathode,
the electrolyte and the separator. The anode is the negative electrode - or
area of the battery - where electrons are lost (oxidation is occurring) and
where positive ions are produced. The cathode is the positive electrode where
electrons are gained (reduction is occurring) and where negative ions are produced.
The electrolyte acts as a bridge between the electrodes, allowing the positive
and negative ions to flow back and forth. The separator provides a reservoir
for the electrolyte and electrically isolates the anode and the cathode, preventing
the chemical reaction from occurring in one fell swoop.
The capacity of a battery is determined by the amount of chemical energy stored
inside its housing. It determines - for a given current of a given device -
the service life of the battery. There are broadly two different types of batteries:
primary and secondary.
Primary batteries cannot be recharged or "brought back to life" once
they have used up their power. Examples of primary batteries include alkaline
batteries that are commonly used in flashlights, portable radios and miscellaneous
consumer electronics devices.
Secondary batteries, also known as storage batteries, are capable of being recharged
and reused up to 500 times (charge/discharge cycles). Nickel Cadmium, Nickel-Metal
Hydride and Li-Ion batteries (used in many portable electronic devices such
as two-way radios and bar code scanners) are examples of this type (belong to
this category). The most common type of secondary cell is the "lead-acid"
type used to start motor car engines. Taken to the extreme lead-acid batteries
can produce a very high output for a short duration. These batteries are the
least expensive but have a limited life and store less energy per pound than
other types.
Quiz
Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.
DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.
