ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews the battery types used on aircraft, typical applications and how they are installed and maintained. Batteries are primary sources of electrical power found on most aircraft, delivering direct current. The main aircraft battery is a primary source of electrical power; its use can be controlled by the pilot or by automatic means. Batteries also supply essential loads in the event of generator failure. The battery is constructed from a number of individual cells; generic cell features consist of two electrodes and electrolyte contained within a casing. Connecting an external load to the battery completes the electrical circuit, electrons are transferred from the negative plate and the battery starts to discharge. Maintenance and servicing costs associated with flooded cells can be overcome with sealed lead-acid batteries. An aircraft is fitted with one or two main batteries depending on its size and role.
