A LEAD-ACID-BATTERY FOR THE NEW MILLENNIUM

Valve-regulated lead/acid battery technology is approaching maturity, but over the next several years many changes will continue to occur and the types of batteries at the beginning of the coming millennium will be considerably different than those of today. The requirements and potential applications for batteries in the year 2001 are reviewed. It is suggested that future development will focus on the power capabilities of lead/acid due in part to the limited improvements possible in specific energy. A technology overview addresses changes and requirements for grids, paste chemistry and processing, separator/electrolyte development, containers and vents, manufacturing innovation and auxiliary systems such as charging, thermal management and monitoring/control technologies. Conclusions are drawn relating to the battery characteristics, critical development areas and market opportunities. It is re-emphasized that the power advantages of lead/acid should be stressed relative to specific energy. Attention is drawn to similarities between nickel/cadmium and lead/acid, and it is noted that inherent weaknesses in lead/acid technology must be addressed and resolved.