Yes, a sealed lead-acid battery is often referred to as a dry cell battery.
Understanding Sealed Lead-Acid Batteries and Dry Cells
To understand why sealed lead-acid batteries are sometimes called dry cells, let's break down the terminology and explore the different types of lead-acid batteries.
What Are Sealed Lead-Acid Batteries?
Sealed lead-acid batteries are a type of rechargeable battery where the electrolyte is contained within a sealed unit, unlike traditional "wet" batteries where the electrolyte is a liquid that can spill.
What is a Dry Cell Battery?
A dry cell battery is a type of battery where the electrolyte is not a free-flowing liquid. Instead, the electrolyte is typically held within a paste, gel, or absorbed into a porous material. This design makes the battery more spill-proof and suitable for various applications.
The Connection: AGM Batteries
One significant type of sealed lead-acid battery is the Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) battery. These batteries are considered a type of dry cell. Here's why:
- AGM Design: The electrolyte in an AGM battery is absorbed into a fiberglass mat, preventing it from sloshing around like in a wet cell battery.
- Spill-Proof Nature: The absorbed electrolyte ensures that AGM batteries can be used in various orientations without the risk of leaks.
- Reference Information: As the provided reference states, "AGM batteries, also called dry cell batteries or sealed lead acid batteries..." confirming that they are indeed considered dry cells.
Key Differences: Wet Cell vs. Dry Cell Lead-Acid Batteries
Here's a table summarizing the key differences between wet and dry cell lead-acid batteries:
| Feature | Wet Cell Lead-Acid Battery | Dry Cell Lead-Acid Battery (e.g., AGM) |
|---|---|---|
| Electrolyte | Free-flowing liquid | Absorbed in mat or gel |
| Spill Risk | High | Low |
| Orientation | Typically upright | Flexible |
| Maintenance | Requires regular water checks | Generally maintenance-free |
Practical Insights
- Wide Use: As noted in the provided reference, AGM batteries became widely adopted in the 1980s due to their reliability and lighter weight compared to wet cell and gel batteries.
- Applications: Dry cell lead-acid batteries (AGM) are commonly found in:
- Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS)
- Motorcycles
- Mobility scooters
- Emergency lighting
- Solar power storage
Conclusion
In conclusion, a sealed lead-acid battery, particularly an AGM battery, is considered a type of dry cell battery because its electrolyte is not a free-flowing liquid. This characteristic makes them more durable and spill-proof compared to wet cell batteries.
