Starting , Lighting And Ignition Research Articles

X-ray computed tomography for macropore analysis of cured and formed plates in lead acid batteries

When it comes to the properties of lead-acid batteries, macro porosity is seldom considered, even though it influences the active material loading, accessibility of acid into the active bulk material and the structural integrity of the plate. The porosity characteristics of positive and negative cured and formed plates were comprehensively analysed on the micro, meso and macro scale using a combination of BET N2 adsorption, mercury porosimetry and X-ray computed tomography (CT) respectively. Total porosity, pore size distribution, surface area, open and closed pores and surface-area-to-volume were included, where possible, with a plethora of additional data being obtained from X-ray CT analysis. Analysis from a single plate used in Starting, Lighting and Ignition (SLI) type batteries, which included three isolated samples per plate, revealed heterogeneity in macro-porosity across all regions analysed in the negative and positive cured and formed plates respectively. X-ray CT was further applied to thicker plates and a plate from an AGM type battery with a glass mat separator. The use of X-ray CT to study the changes in porosity characteristics can yield valuable insight into the properties of the active material since it remains intact within the grid support of a lead acid battery plate.

Development of gas-separation membrane-assisted lead-acid battery

The objective of this study is to improve the design of a starting, lighting and ignition (SLI) lead-acid battery with the introduction of gas-separation membrane technology that functions as an electrolyte retainer. Asymmetric polysulfone gas-separation flat-sheet membranes were applied on the battery vent holes that is charged at 15 A and the electrolyte loss data were monitored and compared to the conventional battery. Effects of polymer concentration and casting shear rate were investigated in order to produce the most suitable gas-separation membrane, which features minimal electrolyte losses during the charging test. At room temperature, the electrolyte losses of a membrane-assisted lead-acid battery are about 6.67 g h −1, while for a conventional battery it is about 26.67 g h −1. During the charging process at a temperature of about 80 °C, the membrane-assisted lead-acid battery can save up to 40% of electrolyte losses compared to the conventional battery.

An environmental analysis of the reverse supply chain of SLI batteries

An environmental analysis of the used starting, lighting and ignition (SLI) batteries sector, based on the logistics involved in the recovery process and the tools available for measuring the environmental impact of such a process, is performed in this paper. The different phases of the reverse supply chain of used batteries are analysed, and the operations and practices involved are related with the impact on the environment, using a life cycle analysis. The analysis is exemplified by using the results of a case study. In addition, the situation in different countries from a legislative point of view is presented. Finally, the results of the analysis are summarised and several important issues arising from the analysis are discussed.

ALABC 2000 — the way ahead

Many battery energy-storage applications are currently undergoing a progressive change away from the traditional flooded lead–acid battery to a valve-regulated design which offers convenience both in operation (spill-proof, able to be rapidly recharged) and in reduced maintenance. At the same time, there are large changes in prospect in the applications themselves. In the transport sector, it appears that at least part of the largest of all present markets, the 12/14 V starting, lighting and ignition (SLI) battery, will be replaced by a 36/42 V system. Also, there may be some substitution of electric and/or hybrid electric vehicles for vehicles that employ internal combustion engines alone. There is also, currently, rapid growth in the use of valve-regulated lead–acid batteries for telecommunications and there is enormous potential for future growth in remote-area power supplies (RAPSs). The present paper reviews some of the salient aspects of the research and development programs that are being carried out in order to meet these challenges.

Developments in lead–acid batteries: a lead producer's perspective

Abstract Rapid progress is being made in many aspects of materials, design and construction for lead–acid batteries. Much of this work has taken place under the auspices of the Advanced Lead–Acid Battery Consortium (ALABC). From the general tone of the literature, it seems likely that several of these developments will be adopted in commercial products, and that there will be cross-fertilization between the emerging electric vehicle (EV) battery technology and the starting, lighting and ignition (SLI) battery. Given the impetus for improvement from several different factors, the development process appears to be accelerating. To those not intimately involved in the battery design and specification process, it is not clear which of the possible developments will make it from the laboratory to general commercial adoption. Some of the possible changes in materials, design and construction could have an impact on the recovery, recycling, smelting and refining of lead–acid batteries. Some of the possible developments are outlined and their possible impact is discussed. It is likely that negative effects may be minimized if battery developments are considered from other perspectives, largely based on the overall life-cycle, as early in the design phase of new products as possible. Three strategies for minimizing undesirable effects are advocated: first, improved communication between car manufacturers, battery manufacturers and lead producers second, use of life-cycle analysis (LCA) to identify and optimize all attributes of the product throughout its life-cycle third, concerted and coordinated action to deal with issues important to the industry once trends are identified.

Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW-PE) and its application in microporous separators for lead/acid batteries

The polyethylene (PE) used in separators for automotive lead/acid batteries is actually UHMW-PE (ultra high molecular weight polyethylene). Microporous PE separators were commercialized in the early 1970s. Since then, they have gained in popularity in the lead/acid battery industry, particularly in SLI (starting, lighting and ignition) automotive applications. This paper provides an introductory overview of the UHMW-PE polymer and its contributions to the PE battery separator manufacturing process, battery assembly and battery performance, in comparison with other conventional separators such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and glass fibre.

Valve-regulated lead/acid batteries for SLI use in Japan

Valve-regulated lead/acid batteries for automotive applications have been on the market in Japan for more than ten years. Initially, the batteries were used only for a small-size motorcycle. Today, however, they are widely employed in all sizes of motorcycles. In the meantime, VRLA batteries have also been used for agricultural machines, and even for some types of passenger cars. This paper provides an overview of the progress in the development and application of VRLA batteries for SLI (starting, lighting and ignition) use in Japan and discusses future expected trends.

Worldwide trends in battery separator technology and usage

This paper reviews trends in battery separator usage for starting-lighting-and-ignition (SLI), motive power, and sealed valve-regulated lead/acid batteries. For SLI batteries, the dominant trend in the USA and Western Europe has been a dramatic increase in polyethylene envelope separator usage, with other countries now following this trend. This is at the expense of traditional leaf-type separators such as cellulose or sintered polyvinyl chloride (PVC). For motive power applications, several different types of separator materials are currently favoured, including polyethylene, microporous rubber, microporous PVC and resin-impregnated polyester fibres. Worldwide trends in the motive power battery and separator market are shown. For sealed valve-regulated lead/acid batteries, the favoured construction uses a recombinant battery separator mat, normally of 100% borosilicate glass (binder free). Alternative mats containing a proportion of polymeric fibres are now being investigated. Market trends and factors affecting growth in the use of recombinant battery separator mats (RBSM) are reviewed. Results of mercury-intrusion porosimetry data for different separator materials are shown and reviewed. This technique provides an interesting way of differentiating between different separator materials based on their pore size distribution.