The innovative solution proposed in this paper to improve both cycling life and performances of a very low cost lead–acid battery is the combination of the compression concept and the use of micro-porous additives added in the active mass. | Available online at ELSEVIER Journal of Power Sources 144 2005 546-551 Effect of additives in compressed lead-acid batteries G. Toussainta L. Torcheuxb J. Alzieub . Campsb D. Livignib . Sarrauc . Vaurijouxc D. Benchetritec V. Gauthierc M. Vilasia a UHP Nancy I LCSM Boulevard des Aiguillettes 54506 Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy France b EDFR D Site des Renardières CIMA 8 Route de Sens-Ecuelles 77818 Morêt sur Loing France c CEAC-EXIDE 5à7 allee des Pierres Mayette 92636 Gennevilliers France Available online 25 December 2004 Abstract The innovative solution proposed in this paper to improve both cycling life and performances of a very low cost lead-acid battery is the combination of the compression concept and the use of micro-porous additives added in the active mass. The influence of different rates of compression 10-100 kPa applied on 2 V pre-industrial modules slightly modified has been studied in accelerated cycling test as well as the effect of different kinds of additives on 2 V lab cells performances in a compressed application. It appears that a pressure minimum of 10 kPa is necessary to stabilise the performances and multiply by close to 10 the cycling life of the modules. Nevertheless a 100 kPa pressure allows to perfectly maintain the electrode integrity during the cycling test and prevent effectively the shedding phenomenon. The idea of the insertion of porous additives into the active mass has been validated during this study since a significant improvement of the cell performances has been observed with two kind of additives tested Zeolite and Carbon Graphite. 2004 Elsevier . All rights reserved. Keywords Lead-acid batteries Micro-porous additives Compressed electrodes 1. Introduction Since the appearance of the first battery in 1860 1 we are trying to improve the lead-acid batteries in terms of both cycling life and performances. One of the well-known life limiting factors of a lead-acid battery is the active material damage .
