Recent progress in the development of VRLA batteries for the global telecom market

Valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA) batteries are continuing to evolve to meet increasingly challenging user requirements. Improvements in cell designs, grid alloys and manufacturing techniques are all contributing to better standards of reliability and technical performance. These are discussed by reference to different technologies, using both absorbent glass mat (AGM) and gelled electrolyte approaches for various cell and battery constructions. Telecommunications applications are requiring ever more compact power provisioning without compromise to integrity for certain applications, whilst others are looking for extended service with larger battery modules. For UPS applications, compact and efficient power is needed, and for utility or general purpose applications, reliability is the key. Problems and solutions for a variety of different situations are described by reference to particular examples, and conclusions are drawn from these experiences.