Valve-regulated lead-acid batteries for heavy-duty cycling applications

The influence of various parameters on the cycle-life of valve-regulated le ad-acid (VRLA) batteries has been investigated. Experiments are performed t o arrive at optimum design parameters for a specific application, namely, t rain lighting for passenger rail-cars. A combination of parameters which re late to paste mixing is investigated in order to maximize plate strength. F actors which relate to curing, inter-electrode spacing and compression rati o are also studied with a view to maximizing Life. Accelerated life tests a re carried out at 50 degrees C and the results indicate that the optimized parameters yield a life in excess of 500 cycles. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.