A battery cell consists of five major components:
(1) electrodes
(2) separators
(3) terminals
(4) electrolyte
(5) a case or enclosure
Battery cells are grouped together into a single mechanical and electrical unit called a battery module. These modules are electrically connected to form a battery pack, which powers the electronic drive systems.
There are two terminals per battery, one negative and one positive. The electrolyte can be a liquid, gel, or solid material. Traditional batteries, such as lead-acid (Pb-acid), nickel-cadmium (NiCd), and others have used a liquid electrolyte. This electrolyte may either be acidic or alkaline, depending on the type of battery. In many of the advanced batteries under development today for EV applications, the electrolyte is a gel, paste, or resin. Examples of these battery types are advanced sealed Pb-acid, NiMH, and Lithium (Li)-ion batteries. Lithium-polymer batteries, presently under development, have a solid electrolyte. In the most basic terms, a battery is an electrochemical cell in which an electric potential (voltage) is generated at the battery terminals by a difference in potential between the positive and negative electrodes. When an electrical load such as a motor is connected to the battery terminals, an electric circuit is completed, and current is passed through the motor, generating the torque. Outside the battery, current flows from the positive terminal, through the motor, and returns to the negative terminal.
As the process continues, the battery delivers its stored energy from a charged to a discharged state. If the electrical load is replaced by an external power source that reverses the flow of the current through the battery, the battery can be charged. This process is used to reform the electrodes to their original chemical state, or full charge.
(1) electrodes
(2) separators
(3) terminals
(4) electrolyte
(5) a case or enclosure
Battery cells are grouped together into a single mechanical and electrical unit called a battery module. These modules are electrically connected to form a battery pack, which powers the electronic drive systems.
There are two terminals per battery, one negative and one positive. The electrolyte can be a liquid, gel, or solid material. Traditional batteries, such as lead-acid (Pb-acid), nickel-cadmium (NiCd), and others have used a liquid electrolyte. This electrolyte may either be acidic or alkaline, depending on the type of battery. In many of the advanced batteries under development today for EV applications, the electrolyte is a gel, paste, or resin. Examples of these battery types are advanced sealed Pb-acid, NiMH, and Lithium (Li)-ion batteries. Lithium-polymer batteries, presently under development, have a solid electrolyte. In the most basic terms, a battery is an electrochemical cell in which an electric potential (voltage) is generated at the battery terminals by a difference in potential between the positive and negative electrodes. When an electrical load such as a motor is connected to the battery terminals, an electric circuit is completed, and current is passed through the motor, generating the torque. Outside the battery, current flows from the positive terminal, through the motor, and returns to the negative terminal.
As the process continues, the battery delivers its stored energy from a charged to a discharged state. If the electrical load is replaced by an external power source that reverses the flow of the current through the battery, the battery can be charged. This process is used to reform the electrodes to their original chemical state, or full charge.
Comments