External loadElectrolytePorous separatorNegativeelectrodePositiveelectrodeBATTERY COMPONENTSAND OPERATIONDOE-HDBK-1084-95Lead-Acid Storage BatteriesBatteriesPage 6Rev. 0 Figure 1. Major components of a cell.by cell type. Materials used as separators must allow ion transfer between the electrolyteand electrodes. Many separators are made of a porous plastic or glass fiber material. Theabove components are housed in a container commonly called a jar or container.CellandBatteryVoltageIn order for a cell or battery to be able to deliver electrical current to an external circuit, apotential differencemust exist between the positive and negative electrodes. The potentialdifference (usually measured in volts) is commonly referred to as the voltage of the cell orbattery. A single lead-acid cell can develop a maximum potential difference of about 2 Vunder load. A completely discharged lead-acid cell has a potential difference of about1.75 V, depending on the rate of discharge. CapacityandBatteryRatingsIn general terms, the capacityof a cell/battery is the amount of charge available expressed inampere-hours(Ah). An ampere is the unit of measurement used for electrical current and isdefined as a coulomb of charge passing through an electrical conductor in one second. Thecapacity of a cell or battery is related to the quantity of active materials in it, and the amountof electrolyte and the surface area of the plates. The capacity of a battery/cell is measuredby discharging at a constant current until it reaches its terminal voltage (usually about 1.75volts). This is usually done at a constant temperature, under standard conditions of 25ºC
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