Not all lead-acid batteries require the addition of acid during use. There are two main types of lead-acid batteries: flooded (also known as wet-cell) and sealed (also known as valve-regulated lead-acid or VRLA).
- Flooded Lead-Acid Batteries: These batteries have a liquid electrolyte (usually sulfuric acid and water) that is free to move around inside the battery. As the battery is used and charged, some of the water in the electrolyte is lost due to evaporation, and the acid concentration can change. In these cases, it may be necessary to add water (distilled water is typically recommended) to maintain the proper electrolyte level and acid concentration.
- Sealed Lead-Acid Batteries: These batteries are designed to be maintenance-free and do not require the addition of water or acid during use. They are sealed to prevent the electrolyte from escaping, and they typically use a gel or absorbed glass mat (AGM) design to immobilize the electrolyte. These batteries are commonly used in applications where maintenance is difficult or impractical, such as in uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), emergency lighting, and alarm systems.
It’s important to note that while sealed lead-acid batteries do not require the addition of water or acid during use, they still require proper maintenance and charging to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
