4. Conclusion

This article defines the main characteristic quantities required to use and characterize cell operation. The extension of these quantities to the case of a battery made up of an assembly of cells is then explained. The constitution of a cell is detailed, as is the general principle of an electrochemical accumulator. Once these concepts have been clarified, it becomes possible to understand the performance and usage rules of the various existing technologies presented in a second article [E 2 141] .