Lead-acid batteries for use in submarine applications

Lead-acid batteries provide standby and propulsion power in many submarine installations worldwide. As other electrochemical systems develop, they will be compared to the lead-acid battery in terms of energy density, power density, life, safety and cost. Continuing improvements to the "mature" lead-acid technology still make it an attractive alternative when batteries are specified for underwater vessels. This paper examines how the lead-acid battery has been modified to accommodate the specific requirements for several operational underwater vehicles.