Secondary battery technologies: a static potential for power

Electrical energy storage (EES) systems provide various benefits of high energy efficiency, high reliability and controllability, low cost and environmental impact, and so on, by storing and retrieving energy on demand. Historically, electrochemical battery storage systems have by far spurred the greatest interest of research, offering immediate response times, medium-to-long term storage duration and no power-rate limitations. Based on electrochemical oxidation-reduction reversible reactions, batteries can convert chemical energy stored in their active materials directly into electricity and vice versa. In this work, the most important battery technologies are reviewed and compared along with their contribution in global battery market. Lithium-ion monopolize in portable electronic devices, whereas lead-acid holds the exclusivity in automotive starting, lighting and ignition (SLI) applications and is considered as the best choice for small-to-medium scale stationary applications of uninterruptible power supply (UPS) and back-up power. In terms of safety and simplicity, both systems are considered viable options for small-scale residential applications, while advanced lead-acid and high-temperature batteries are suited in medium-to-large scale applications including commercial and industrial consumers. The most discussed aspects relating to electrochemical storage are the exhaustible material reserves which may cause their cost to increase and battery disposition which locally affects consumers and globally the whole of mankind. However, a key solution exists, namely recycling, and is supported by various processes. Once the impacts from the collection and transportation of all types of spent batteries are minimized, the field of electrochemical EES integration will be expanded more and more, resulting in a sustainable development.