1. Conversion of active substances
The primary purpose of the formation process is to achieve the conversion of active substances. In Lead-Acid Batteries, the initial substances of the positive and negative plates are mainly lead sulfate (PbSO₄). During the formation process, by applying a specific charging current and voltage, the lead sulfate on the positive plate is gradually converted into lead dioxide (PbO₂), which is a highly oxidizing substance and is the active substance of the positive electrode of Lead-Acid Batteries during discharge. The lead sulfate on the negative plate is converted into spongy lead (Pb), which has good conductivity and a large specific surface area and can effectively release electrons during discharge. This conversion of active substances is the basis for the normal operation of Lead-Acid Batteries. Only by converting the substances of the positive and negative plates into suitable active substances through the formation process can the battery perform effective charge and discharge reactions.
2. Establishing electrode structure
The formation process helps to establish a stable electrode structure. During the formation process, the active substances on the positive and negative plates are not simply accumulated, but form a specific microstructure. For the positive plate, the formation makes the lead dioxide form a structure with a certain porosity and crystallinity. This structure is conducive to the penetration of the electrolyte, so that the electrolyte can fully contact with the active material, and can ensure the firm adhesion of the active material on the plate, preventing the active material from falling off during the charge and discharge cycle. Similarly, the spongy lead on the negative plate also forms a uniform and stable structure during the formation process, so that it can adapt to the volume change during the charge and discharge process, and avoid the battery performance degradation due to structural damage.
3. Improve battery performance
The formation process has an important role in improving the performance of Lead-Acid Batteries. On the one hand, it can reduce the internal resistance of the battery. During the formation process, the microstructure inside the electrode is optimized, the contact between the active materials and between the active materials and the current collector is closer, and the electron conduction path is smoother, thereby reducing the resistance inside the battery. Lower internal resistance means that during the charge and discharge process, the battery has less energy loss, which can improve the charge and discharge efficiency of the battery. On the other hand, the formation process can increase the initial capacity of the battery. By precisely controlling the parameters of the formation process, the active material is fully activated, so that the battery can reach a good capacity level when it is used for the first time, laying a good performance foundation for the long-term use of the battery.
4. Determine the performance parameters of the battery
The formation process is also used to determine some performance parameters of Lead-Acid Batteries. During the formation process, by monitoring the changes in battery parameters such as voltage, current, and temperature, important information such as the battery's charge and discharge characteristics and polarization can be understood. This information can help determine the battery's rated capacity, optimal charge and discharge current, maximum charging voltage and other performance parameters, thereby providing a basis for the subsequent use of the battery and matching the corresponding charging equipment. At the same time, based on the data in the formation process, the quality of the battery can also be preliminarily evaluated, and batteries that may have problems can be screened out to ensure the quality stability of the battery leaving the factory.
