Technical update of ALABC progress and discussion of future activities

Abstract

Research programs by the Advanced Lead Acid Battery Consortium (ALABC) have greatly improved understanding of the performance of lead acid batteries, particularly sealed valve regulated batteries for cycling service. The program has developed strong, corrosion resistant, highly conductive alloys which resist passivation at the grid active material interface. With special fast chargers, lead acid batteries can be charged at much higher rates than previously thought possible. The rapid controlled charging may significantly increase battery life. Battery life has also been found to be determined by the amount of the restraining force applied to the positive active material by the grid, active material, separators, and battery container. Future work will focus on the mechanisms to restrain the active material by separators, as well as the amount of restraining force required to prevent active material degradation. The work explores improved expanders and positive active material modifiers to improve active material utilization. Research into charge algorithms will evaluate the beneficial effects of various charge regimes on battery life. Finally, novel battery designs are evaluated so that high energy density, robust, long life lead acid batteries can be produced.