Phenomena of recombination and polarization for VRLA batteries in gel technology

In this paper tests with VRLA-cells in gel technology are described with measurements of float current, recombination rate, water loss and polarization of the electrodes. Parameters like battery design, configuration, acid density and gel consistency were investigated as well as the parameters of charging conditions, which ensure a sufficient polarization of the negative electrode, but without accelerating the corrosion process of the positive electrode due to higher polarization. In addition, measurements of cell voltage in strings were carried out to investigate the self regulation mechanism of cell voltage distribution.