
21 Batteries
21.1 Cell characteristics
Batteries are composed of cells which exhibit characteristics pecu-
liar to their chemical constituents and construction. Common features,
important to users, are their ability to store energy within a small space
and with the least weight, and to release it at an adequate rate for the
purpose under consideration.
21.1.1 Capacity
The amount of energy a battery can store is measured in ampere hours
(Ah) at a specified discharge rate. For large cells this is usually the
10 hour rate but American practice, which is now almost universal,
at least for smaller cells, is to use the 1 hour rate. It is important,
therefore, ...