Advances in battery technology from ALABC projects

Over the last five years, battery research and development lead by research sponsored by the Advanced Lead Acid Battery Consortium (ALABC) has produced dramatic improvements in understanding the performance of lead acid batteries, particularly sealed valve regulated batteries (VRLA) for cycling service. Research into battery grid alloys has led to an understanding of the importance of the chemistry and structure of the grid/active material interface. A proper interface is critical to preventing premature capacity loss (PCL-I) in cycling batteries, particularly at high temperature. Battery grid alloys have become stronger and more corrosion resistant while maintaining their structural integrity at high temperatures. Grids produced from the new materials are thinner, more conductive and can utilize continuous production techniques which leads to improved light weight battery designs. Novel grid designs utilizing the improved grid materials produced more uniform discharge of the active material and higher active material utilization.