Definition
A secondary-cell electrical device that stores energy in chemical form and releases it as direct current when connected to a load. It can be recharged by passing current through it in the opposite direction of discharge, reversing the chemical reaction. In aircraft, the most common types are lead-acid and nickel-cadmium.
Plain English
A rechargeable battery. It holds electrical energy as chemical energy and gives it back as electricity when you need it, then can be refilled by charging.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft electrical-system descriptions, preflight checks, engine starting, and emergency power discussions.
Derivation
Storage' comes from the Latin 'staurare,' meaning to set up or establish a supply. The name highlights what makes this kind of battery different from a single-use one: it stores energy that can be put back in, not just drained out.
Why Pilots Care
It provides starting power and emergency electrical supply when the engine-driven generator is not running.
Grounding Statement
With the engine off, the storage battery may be the only source of electrical power available in the aircraft.
Intuition Check
A storage battery is not simply a battery sitting in storage. In this context, it means a rechargeable battery that stores energy inside it for later use.
Example Sentence 1
Before engine start, the storage battery powers the avionics and the starter motor.
Example Sentence 2
A weak storage battery prevented the starter from turning the engine over.