Why Can’t We Store AC in Batteries instead of DC?

Why AC Can’t be Stored in Batteries like DC?

We cannot store AC in batteries because AC changes their polarity up to 50 (When frequency = 50 Hz) or 60 (When frequency = 60 Hz) times in a second. Therefore the battery terminals keep changing i.e. Positive (+ve) becomes Negative (-Ve) and vice versa, but the battery cannot change their terminals with the same speed so that’s why we can’t store AC in Batteries.

• Related Post: What Happens When an AC Line Touches a DC Line?

In addition, when we connect a battery with AC Supply, then it will charge during positive half cycle and discharge during negative half cycle, because the Positive (+ve) half cycle cancels the Negative (-Ve) half cycle, so the average voltage or current in a complete cycle is Zero. So there is no chance to store AC in the Batteries.

• Related Post: Difference Between a Battery and a Capacitor

Good to know:  Average Voltage x Average Current ≠ Average Power.

You may also read:

• Why Can’t a 12V Car Battery Electrocute You?
• Why Power Plant Capacity Rated in MW and not in MVA?
• Why Motor rated in kW instead of kVA?
• Why Battery rated in Ah (Ampere hour) and not in VA.
• Why Transformer Rated In kVA, Not in KW?
• AC or DC – Which One is More Dangerous And Why ?
• Why Do Electronic Circuits Use DC Current instead of AC?
• Which One is More Dangerous? 50Hz or 60Hz in 120V/230V & Why?