Battery and Fuel cell Technology

Design and Technology of Batteries

The internal function of a battery are typically contained within a metal or plastic case. Under this metal there is a cathode, which connects to the positive terminal, and an anode, which connects to the negative terminal. These constituents, more generally known as electrodes, occupy most of the space in a battery and are placed where the chemical reactions occur. A partition creates a barrier between the cathode and anode, preventing the electrodes from moving while allowing electrical charge to flow freely between them. The medium that allows the electric charge to flow between the cathode and anode is known as the electrolyte. Finally, the collector conducts the charge to the outside of the battery and through the load.