How a lead-acid battery works

[@clark2711]

It's been more then 8 years yet this is still the best summary on how a battery works.

[@LMacNeill]

Lead acid batteries are still practical, not only because of their unique properties that aren't matched by any other battery type, but also because we have an amazing lead-recycling infrastructure in place -- and we've had that in place for decades now! Lead acid batteries are *the* most recycled item -- more than 99% of all lead-acid batteries used today are recycled! (Compare that to 50% of aluminum cans, and 70% of office paper!) In fact, it's very likely that the lead in your car battery today was mined 50 or more years ago! It's been recycled that many times!

[@tubester4567]

what about the acid though.

[@kingofthespazs]

its a simple process to create and so long as we pay attention to recycling easy to reuse or enrich the acid

[@Admiral8Q]

Glass is 100% recyclable. Though the problem is some people like to smash it all over the place.

[@cornstar1253]

@@tubester4567 gypsum and bauxite. Water treatment plants.

[@Rabbit.760]

Capacitor banks are way better than car batteries... look em up

[@randybuttigieg6776]

Great job on these videos! Your explanations are clear and concise and you don't dumb things down, I'm thoroughly impressed and I want to thank you for taking your time to do this.

[@somebeinganonymous]

Really enjoyed this one, especially the conversion of the sli to deep cycle illustration.

[@drprincehealthfocus3249]

i usually don't subscribe to any channel but after watching, i had to. your explanation was so detailed yet simple enough to understand and you have good practical examples.

[@orcasha]

Watching the videos and reading the book gives me no end of appreciation for engineers. Thanks for everything.

[@BlackJavaBean]

I really enjoyed the explanation of trade-offs. As an engineer, I find that is the hardest thing to explain to the users; no matter what the design, there will always be some kind of trade off.

[@jacquelinecook5613]

Making use of the kzbin.infoUgkxcJ22tnHH9l1vjdIdEIG27iOG55P7LXI8 reconditioning plan, I just saved 2 auto batteries from being completely junked. The guides were very simple to follow. I wish I would have found this years ago! You may use the guide to recondition any battery type

[@kiq4767]

beware scam

[@PGHolmes]

One of my favorite personalities on youtube.

[@nosx858]

im thinking of transferring out of my university because im an electrical engineer but all my physics and chem teachers are horrible most of the stuff i have to learn on my own and spend hours researching it because they cant explain it, you make me feel like transferring to the University of Illinois because your sooo goodd at explaining complex concepts! i love your videos

[@ScibyTravels]

This is rapidly becoming my favourite KZbin channel. Bill, have you thought about doing some videos explaining more simpler concepts of engineering (eg: electrical concepts, ohms, amps, current; or the laws of thermodynamics, etc etc) Your presenting style would really lend itself well to it, imho. Definitely better than my high school chem/physics teacher. :) anyway.

[@roeltz]

I like this channel very much for the simple explanations, but this video was surprisingly specific but straightforward to follow. Very good stuff.

[@roeltz]

Now I realize this video is two years old and I feel ashamed.

[@engineerguyvideo]

Leonardo Rothe Tagliafico Thank you for your kind words ... much appreciated ....

[@diggerpete9334]

Engineer Guy is such a great teacher of what's behind common everyday things and so clear to follow. Subscribed with pleasure.

[@tehguitarque]

I as well love and appreciate this channel. I was expecting a part about recharging the battery though. Is the reaction reversible up to a point?

[@ytanonymity3585]

I would love to learn how to developed a battery especially on how to create a Laptop battery and make it last longer

[@spelunkerd]

I'm glad to read that you are busy making more videos. One point also worth considering when discussing lead acid batteries is that the acid freezing point is much higher when the battery is discharged. So, if you store equipment outside in winter, the battery should not be allowed to discharge completely, for two reasons. First, sulphation may shorten the life of the battery, and second, the discharged battery may freeze and crack, mechanically killing it much more quickly.

[@controlledburst]

This may be the best explanation I've seen. Even answered a question that arose in my head regarding "off-the-grid" power storage app.Thanks!

[@Nova5005able]

KZbin's last hope. Literally the only videos I get excited to see uploaded to this site.

[@BonezTwisted]

Very educational video. I change lead motive power batteries at work and always wanted to see the inside of one. Soon I will be a battery technician repairing or replacing busted cells.

[@hobojakobo]

Bring back Engineer Guy! I need more!

[@Uselessfish1989]

Just watched all of your videos in a sitting. I love them. Keep up the great work. I'm definitely going to get your book soon. Thank you for these, you're awesome!

[@rejinyahel2170]

me too after 9 yrs

[@zeddjb]

I really liked this video. I never really knew how those batteries worked. I always learn something new with your videos. Kudos to you and your entire team!! Great Job Everyone!!

[@howardsix9708]

excellent way Bill presents his video classes. superb tutor.

[@krishnaprasath]

one of the best channel on youtube....by quite a long shot.....

[@feistemania]

this the best channel on youtube. period.

[@philbot01]

Do a kickstarter. Make videos and put it in the description. People love this stuff!

[@inventgineer]

"now with current technology" lol unintended puns, though....

[@GeckoMoria94]

A tip for future videos. Don't shrug your shoulder so often. Once you notice it, it's hard to ignore it. Love your videos.

[@sirNemanjapro]

Just to let you know, that your videos are being watched all the way in Trnava, Čačak, Serbia. :)

[@Richard-ig2gv]

Great quality content. Straight to the point. Short, concise, knowledge-packed video.

[@iforgettolikegoodvideosony5929]

This man has taught me so much, and made me even more interested in things that I know about

[@nickgates6829]

Good on ya mate, well done. The perfect balance of complexity and time. Would love to see scope and sequence across other battery systems like LiPo for my students - and myself! Keep up the great work, and the books too!

[@YukariYakumo0]

I've had good luck desulfating batteries by temporarily using high current from an already charged battery to bring it up to a chargeable state.

[@mr.dr.k3148]

Connect a larger battery in parallel, with a charger simultaneously connected, until the charger registers the otherwise, inert battery?

[@38sharmaji]

This channel is an inspiration to me.

[@ingenieroencosas]

I love this guy. Explain easy and clear all about the technology. Very, very interesting.

[@Vehshya]

I could watch these videos all day

[@VBlogMag]

Brilliant video..I'm busy testing how well lead crystal batteries do at very deep cycling. Cheers, Martin.

[@oneeGrimm]

Thank you, engineer guy, your videos are very amusing, informative and useful. Hello from cold Russia.

[@RandomOrdinary_Girl_6123]

No idea what any of this means, but just hearing you explain scientific stuff and display all these cool things intruiges me enough. 👍

[@ConorFenlon]

Excellent video. Extremely informative, and very well presented. A well deserved thumbs up from me! :)

[@StuartAlldritt]

I really enjoyed reading your book, but please please please release the next season sooner this time! I love these videos and can't wait for more!

[@Yaz3D-z2q]

I love your work, Bill. I would love it if you dedicated a few episodes to a few mechanical processes that makes cars work. Like the internal combustion engine, or the differential or anything related.

[@poliniandrea88]

Please I really miss your videos and y would enjoy more of them. Thanks for your efforts . I know you are working on it but Zhou have a lot of supporters encouraging you here!

[@PierreVB-514]

Thanks for showing me once and for all what is inside my car battery. :-)

[@patelvidhu4840]

Good video with real lead acid battery. Thanks.

[@nicksoltysiak7726]

Hmm, lead is very dense. Much like the amount of amazing information packed into this video!

[@ID10Tpig]

Such an underrated channel.

[@injusticeanywherethreatens4810]

Thank you very much for this video.

[@datvuong7420]

at 3:55 I don't understanding why we do that three things, the battery gives off a lower current

[@Poop-nu1so]

Excellent video! I don't know if this is the right channel for this, but could you explain why lead-acid batteries deliver less current when cold? Something about ion tunneling? I have 0% knowledge about that, other than there is apparently ions that may or may not tunnel ( through something ).

[@jackhong1981]

I can't believe there are 3 people dislike this great video. Keep up the good work.

[@c9jester]

Found your channel while watching Veritasium. Subscribed. Excellent stuff.

[@spencerogden]

Put up a donation page and make this happen! You have a great teaching style.

[@EdwSch]

Thanks for the update. Really looking foward to what you have next!

[@spelunkerd]

If you mean a short inside the motor causing a stall, there is a dramatic drop in resistance which results in a rise in amperage. E=IR. The voltage drop is unchanged at first, until the battery dies or a fuse blows or wires melt.

[@longquan5790]

We love your videos bill, hope to see more!!

[@Thimmet]

You are a brilliant teacher.

[@fpsdag]

Best channel on KZbin.

[@marks2749]

Your explanations are perfect . Thank You .

[@daniellefreyaold6099]

There are some theories about breaking the lead sulfate layer on a "dead" battery with a high voltage, low amperage charge, typically 160 percent of its normal operating voltage. I have been hesitant to try this to say the least. Perhaps if I am stranded somewhere and i was dependent on that battery working.

[@TheTadhgrules]

That would be amazing. I intend on doing engineering in college, but can't decide what field to delve into, most likely mechanical, aeronautical or electronic. Alas I'm only 17 yet, but your videos give me a head start.

[@ErnestJay88]

This video is 8 years old, but still useful today

[@NeoShenron95]

You have a great video here, You're very professional and the video is well edited so that it is all around a very well made teaching video.

[@maxweiler123]

you've got to love this guys voice! :)

[@SohailSuri]

Excellent explanation.

[@joserosa5342]

I love this guy show, Excellent explaining everything. Thnkss

[@anderskjeldsmarklarsen4020]

Please keep going beyond theory as you do in this video. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@garydunken7934]

1:32 Isn't sulphuric acid H2SO4? I saw HSO4 there. Please clarify.

[@Bigboinkies]

When H2SO4 loses a H+ ion, it becomes HSO4-. Its still an acid because it can release its last H+ into SO4- -. Its a strong acid and its polyprotic.

[@Bigboinkies]

Ionization: H2SO4 --> (H+) + SO4-- + (H+)

[@jameslaidler4259]

Excellent video. Have there been any recent developments in graphite gel capacitors? I heard some years ago they are a potential replacement for conventional batteries as we know them.

[@rahulj004]

Very helpful, concise and precise, thank you Sir

[@soughnymaugh]

engineerguy blows my mind. He's the kind of person who whilst growing up just wanted to know how everything worked. So he found out.

[@clifftrainor6774]

1:28 - Don't the electric charges flow from the anode to the cathode?

[@killerferretman]

Yes, but current flows from positive to negative.

[@Patrick_AUBRY]

+Emilio Perez Actualy, it depends if you talking electronics or science...

[@killerferretman]

No. It doesn't matter. Current flows from positive to negative. Electrons flow from negative to positive.

[@affordablesolarguy]

excellent production, greatly informative. I completely agree regarding "natures gift" to us. Simple, clear, well done.

[@11finger11eleven]

thank you for all the wonderful knowledge. Every time after watching your videos (and i've seen all of them) I feel like curing cancer or creating renewable energy, or some magnificent feat through the intricate designs only achieved by engineers.

[@ngt84]

1:05 charged plate - plain Lead 2:41 Discharged plate - Lead Sulphate coated

[@Windsorsillest]

I don't know why but I geek out for battery tech.🤷‍♂️🔋

[@NidalRashid]

Engineerguy pointing at lead acid battery while shoving away the lithium ion one: " This might be the most important one of them all" Lithium ion : "Hold my battery water.."

[@ytanonymity3585]

I would love to learn how to developed a battery especially on how to create a Laptop battery and make it last longer. Where can I learn more about how to create and developed a battery ??

[@tigercake558]

bill, when ya comin' back?

[@Laogeodritt]

In solution, sulphuric acid forms the equilibrium H2SO4(aq) ↔ HSO4-(aq) + H+(aq). The presence of the proton (H+ ion) is what makes a solution acidic. The acid's conjugate anion (HSO4-) is what was shown reacting in the equations.

[@shayhan6227]

Is it true that ALL batteries are technically in theory rechargeable (even alkaline) since all chemical reactions are reversible if you add energy back into them (or pull energy out) ?

[@kunalbadade7815]

Please answer my question : At the cathode end there is always electrons leaving battery continuously or it started after we connect wire? ☺🙋

[@agritech802]

Brilliant explanation, thanks a million!

[@DarkNemesis25]

would it be possible to develop a deep cycle battery with moveable plates that slide up and down inside the battery that can be used to scrape off discharge? The case of the battery could be designed to allow for moving fins guided from an external casing

[@MaxVelez]

Beautiful and amazing video Bill like always.

[@joshhh13]

That makes me sad, but I understand. Please continue to make awesome videos!

[@JohnSmith-qn3ob]

Wouldn't nickel zinc be a good candidate to replace the lead acid battery?

[@artyshmunzuk5435]

Mark Hamill is so multi-talented

[@mynamedoesntmatter9013]

What is your opinion on a deep cycle battery and supercapacitor hybrid?

[@JasonFlies]

As always, a wonderful video. Saw that the book is now on iBooks, so I bought it!

[@Pac0Master]

What do you think about graphene and it application?

[@wormsblink2887]

Perfect transverse insulator and longitudinal conductor, perfect for energy storage and rapid discharge. Only disadvantage is the technical requirements to manufacture flawless graphene, which cannot be met with current manufacturing technologies

[@linliu2024]

I think it's a prefect explanation!👍

[@hughwheaton8201]

Sorry, can someone tell me why the lead sulphate doesn't build up when the batterie is in use but not discharged fully?

[@JoshuaBardwell]

Sulfate crystals form during normal use, but they are small and unstable so they break down. When a battery is deeply discharged, the sulfate crystals become large and stable.

[@jdemondo18974]

Is there a way to have solar panels on a car that could be used to power a car starter? Like some sort of smaller version of the current car battery that could be ready to start a vehicle after a short time in the sun?

[@vincentrobinette1507]

I once used a 50 watt panel to jump start a car. It took 20 minutes to put enough surface charge on the battery to get the car started. Once started, the alternator finished the job. It takes 4000 watts to start a V-8 engine, but the fuel injected engine started in less than 3 seconds. any longer, and it would have had to bask in the sun for another half hour.

[@jisu2274]

what happens to the lead sulphte which accumulates tho? 3:53

[@BenLewisE]

I feel really sad that it is taking so long for this next set of videos. What is up? Your videos were always some of the coolest on KZbin.

[@AirBiscuit]

The video's 8 years old now I know, but... 1:30 "Anode (negative plate)", I thought anodes were the positive parts?

[@Monish_Prasad_V]

Bro !!! Anodes are positive in electrolytic cells...

[@bigDeeOT]

I'm confused. You say the lead gives up electrons, which the lead oxide accepts. So wouldn't it follow that a current flows from the lead to the lead oxide, from the anode to cathode? Is the flow of current the opposite the flow of electrons?

[@mazgaj2]

Finally I know how battery works. Thanks!

[@batfan1939]

If cost and volume/scale weren't an issue, would a platinum-based battery be a viable replacement?

[@YoungTheFish]

I love how your videos are in creative commons

[@chriss4365]

I have a sealed lead acid battery is this agm or is it a wet cell?

[@starofdc]

How about the potential of vanadium / vanadium oxide flow batteries to replace lead acid ones?

[@xodus59]

When are you coming out with more videos?! I've learned so much from them and I can't wait for more!