1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background of the Study
A battery is a device consisting of one or more electrochemical cells that converts stored chemical energy into electrical energy (Frank, 2001).
The first battery which is called voltaic pile was invented by Alessandro volta in 1800. After that the Daniel cell was discovered in 1836. Since the battery has become a common power source for many household and industrial applications. According to 2005 estimate, the worldwide battery industry generates 848 billions in sales each year, with 60% annual growth (John et al, 2005).
The usage of battery to describe electrical devices dates to Benjamin Franklin who in 1748 described multiple Leyder Jars (early electrical capacitors) by analogy to a battery of cannons. Thus Franklin usage to describe multiple leyder jars predicted volta's use of multiple galvanic cells. It is speculated that several ancient artifacts consisting of copper sheets and iron bars and known as Beghded batteries may have been galvanic cells (Stinner, 2008).
Volta's work was stimulated by the Italian anatomist and physiologist Luigi Galvani, who in 1780 noticed that dissected frog's legs would twitch when struck by a spark from a leyden jar, an external source of electricity (Bellis, 2008). Although early batteries were of great value for experimented purposes, in practice their voltage fluctuates and they could not provide a large current for a sustained period of time later, starting with the Daniel cell in 1836, batteries provided more reliable currents and were adopted by industry for use in stationary devices, in particular in telegraph networks, where they were the only practical source of electricity, since electrical distribution networks did not exist at the time.
These wet cells used liquid electrolyte which were prone to leakage and spillage if not handled correctly. Many used glass jars to hold their components, which made them fragile. These characteristics made wet cell unsuitable for portable appliances. Near the end of 19th century, the invention of dry cell batteries which replaced the liquid electrolyte with a paste made portable electrical devices practical. Since then batteries have gained popularity as they became portable and useful for a variety of purposes.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Many electrical devices are powered by batteries even vehicles and that has necessitated a project work to be carried out on the production of battery (liquid cell).
1.3 Objectives of the Study
- To know the types of battery
- To know the material used in battery production
- To produce battery
1.4 Significance of the Study
This research work is meant to elucidate the materials used in battery production and also the method involved in producing liquid cell or battery.
1.5 Scope of the Study
Scope of this research work is limited to the production of liquid cell (battery) using sulphuric acid (H2SO4) as the electrolyte.
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