A Brief History of Battery Technology And Related Certification

Since the invention of the first battery in 1800 by Alessandro Volta, battery technology has come a long way. Today, batteries are essential to our lives, powering everything from cell phones to electric vehicles. Over time, battery technology has evolved to become more efficient, longer-lasting, and safer. As a result, various certification programs have been established to ensure the safety and performance of batteries.

In this blog post, we will explore the history of battery technology and how it has evolved over the years. We will also discuss the various certifications that exist to ensure the safety and performance of batteries and why they are important. By the end of this post, you will better understand how batteries work, the different types of batteries, and the importance of certification in the battery industry.

History Of Batteries

It all started with the ancient Greeks, who first experimented with electricity-producing objects, like the "battery" made of a jar filled with vinegar and iron filings. This primitive form of electricity-producing objects would eventually lead to the development of the first true battery in 1799, invented by Alessandro Volta. This battery was made of copper and zinc plates and soaked in saline. 

In 1836, Scottish chemist John Frederick Daniell invented the first rechargeable battery, which used an electrolyte of dilute sulfuric acid and a zinc anode. This battery was the first to use what later became the standard combination for batteries (two electrodes and an electrolyte). 

The next major development in battery technology occurred in 1859 when French physicist Gaston Planté created the lead-acid battery. This battery was the first to use lead as a positive electrode and sulfuric acid as its electrolyte. The lead-acid battery was used extensively in cars and became the standard for automotive batteries. 

In the early 1900s, the first alkaline battery was invented by Thomas Edison. This battery used an alkaline electrolyte instead of an acid, which allowed it to store more energy in a smaller package. It was also much cheaper to produce than the lead-acid battery and quickly became popular for use in flashlights and other small electronics. 

In the 1950s, a team of scientists at Cambridge University created the first lithium-ion battery. This battery used lithium-ion chemistry instead of lead-acid or alkaline chemistry, allowing it to store much more energy in a smaller package. This allowed for the creation of slimmer, more powerful electronics, eventually leading to the development of modern smartphones and laptops. 

Today, battery technology continues to evolve as scientists search for new ways to store energy in smaller, more efficient packages. From the ancient Greek battery to the modern lithium-ion battery, the story of battery technology is an inspiring one of human ingenuity and invention.

What Is The Process Of Batteries Functioning?

When a battery is depleted, a chemical reaction takes place that generates excess electrons. 

The typical battery design consists of two different metals or compounds with different chemical potentials, which are held apart by a porous insulator. Chemical potential is the stored energy in the atoms and bonds of the compounds, providing energy to the passing electrons when they are allowed to flow through an external device.

The electrolyte is the name given to a conducting fluid, such as a combination of salt and water, which is employed to transport soluble ions from one metal to the other during the reaction.

The anode is the metal or compound which loses electrons during discharge, whereas the cathode is the metal or compound that accepts the electrons. This electron flow from the anode to the cathode through the external connection enables us to operate our electronic devices.

What Is The Latest Battery Technology?

Battery technology is advancing rapidly, allowing for longer-lasting, more efficient, and affordable batteries. One of the more recent innovations in this field is EV battery technology.

EV batteries are made of lithium-ion, a lightweight, high-energy-density material typically housed in a pouch or pouch-style cell. They are designed to be lightweight, efficient, and powerful and can store and release large amounts of energy. 

They also come with advanced features such as temperature regulation and a battery management system, which can monitor the battery's performance and alert the driver if it needs to be recharged. EV batteries also offer a range of environmental benefits, such as producing less waste and being more sustainable. 

Overall, EV battery technology is a major advance in energy storage technology, making electric vehicles a more viable option for consumers.

What Is The Process For Obtaining Battery Approval In India?

India is predicted to become the world's most populous country by 2024, which makes it an appealing target market for product manufacturers around the world. Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) registration is required for importing batteries to India. Accutronics is well-prepared to acquire BIS registration for batteries, although it is a lengthy process with many difficulties. 

The following is an overview of the procedure: 

• An Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) must be appointed: Accutronics collaborates with an in-country agent to complete the physical BIS registration of the batteries. However, the customer must also assign an AIR, which could be their manufacturing facility, office, distributor, or importer. 
• IEC 62133 Battery Certification must be acquired: Before the batteries can be shipped for testing, they must be certified to an Internationally Recognised Standard such as IEC 62133. Accutronics are familiar with this process, as it is conducted for their Accupro and Entellion products.
• Sample batteries must be shipped to India: Since batteries can only be shipped by air after BIS registration, samples must be transported by land or sea. Delivery to the UK usually takes between 6-10 weeks.
• Batteries must be tested to IS 16046: Testing must be conducted at an approved testing facility in India. There are only a few of these establishments compared to many imported products, so it is important to consider delays when planning to launch a product.

The Skill-Lync course on Battery Technology provides a comprehensive overview of the various types of battery technologies, their characteristics, their applications, and their future potential. 

To learn more about the standard requirement and components used in the battery, enrol in Skill-Lync’s battery technology course. Talk to our experts to get your free demo.