Lead-acid Batteries: A Short History
The lead-acid battery was invented by a French physician named Gaston Planté in 1859. Lead-Acid was the first commercial rechargeable battery. Today, flooded lead-acid batteries hold the primary position in automobiles, forklifts, and UPS systems for computers. In the mid 70’s, researchers developed a maintenance-free lead-acid battery that can be operated in any position. The electrolyte was transformed into moistened separators and the battery was sealed. Safety valves are added to allow the venting of the gases during charge & discharge.