Strand 2 (Electrical/Electronics) — Battery Technology: Principles, Performance, Management, and Safety

Battery

A device that converts chemical energy into electrical energy through redox reactions.

Chemical energy

Energy stored in the bonds of chemical compounds, which is released during a chemical reaction.

Redox reactions

Chemical reactions that involve the transfer of electrons between two species: reduction (gain of electrons) and oxidation (loss of electrons).

DC voltage

Direct current voltage, which provides a constant flow of electric charge.

Electrons

Negatively charged particles that flow through the external circuit of a battery.

Ions

Charged particles that move through the electrolyte inside a battery.

Electrolyte

An ion-conducting medium that allows ions to move within the battery.

Anode

The electrode in a battery where oxidation occurs.

Cathode

The electrode in a battery where reduction occurs.

Discharge

The process of a battery supplying power, involving electron flow from the anode to the cathode.

Charging

The process of replenishing a battery’s energy by reversing the discharge reactions.

C-rate

A measure of the charge/discharge rate relative to the battery's capacity.

State of Charge (SOC)

An estimate of how full a battery is, usually expressed as a percentage.

State of Health (SOH)

An estimate of how a battery's current capacity compares to its original capacity.

Voltage sag

The temporary reduction in voltage when a load is applied to a battery.

Thermal runaway

A condition where a battery generates heat faster than it can dissipate it, leading to failure.

Overcharge

A condition in which a battery is charged beyond its maximum voltage limit, which may cause damage.

Internal resistance

The resistance to current flow within a battery, which can affect efficiency and performance.

Lithium-ion battery

A rechargeable battery type that uses lithium ions as the primary charge carrier.

Primary battery

A battery designed for single use and not intended to be recharged.

Secondary battery

A rechargeable battery that can be used multiple times.

Energy density

The amount of energy stored per unit mass or volume of a battery.

Power density

The amount of power a battery can deliver per unit mass or volume.

Charging control

The management of charging parameters to ensure safe and effective battery charging.

Cell balancing

The process of equalizing the voltage in cells within a battery pack to prevent overcharge/overdischarge.

Alkaline battery

A primary battery type using alkaline electrolytes, known for good shelf life and low cost.

Flow battery

A type of battery where energy is stored in liquid electrolytes in external tanks.