8 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE WITH VALVE-REGULATED BATTERIES FOR AUTOMOTIVE USE

In 1985, Matsushita developed a valve-regulated lead/acid (VRLA) batte ry with an expanded grid for automotive use. Since 1989, these batteri es have been adopted as original equipment for cars. To take full adva ntage of their benefits, the batteries are installed away from the eng ine compartment, for example, in the boot of the car. Despite a steady market for automotive VRLA batteries, there are still a few problems that accompany their use. These must be solved in order to enhance rel iability and improve customer satisfaction. The major areas of concern are life at high temperature, and recovery after over-discharge and l ong standing. Work in these areas is reported here.