Failure mode of the negative plate in recombinant lead/acid batteries

• Published in: Journal of power sources Vol. 52; no. 2; pp. 201 - 209
• Main Authors: Atlung, Sven, Zachau-Christiansen, Birgit
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Lausanne Elsevier B.V 01.12.1994; Elsevier Sequoia
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Direct energy conversion and energy accumulation; Electrical engineering. Electrical power engineering; Electrical power engineering; Electrochemical conversion: primary and secondary batteries, fuel cells; Exact sciences and technology; Failure mode; Lead/acid batteries; Negative plate; Lead/acid batteries; Negative plate; Failure mode; Lead battery; Secondary cell; Tight storage battery; Modeling; Discharge charge cycle; Sulfatation; Failure analysis; Pressure regulation; Acid storage battery; Battery recharge; Electrode capacity; Electrical characteristic
• ISSN: 0378-7753; 1873-2755
• DOI: 10.1016/0378-7753(94)01963-0

Experimental recombinant valve-regulated lead/acid batteries failed after 250 to 350 deep cycles. The failure was attributed to the negative electrode which showed loss of capacity. When the cells were converted to operation in the flooded mode, they delivered up to 1400 deep cycles. The failure mechanism is assumed to be sulfation due to insufficient recharge. A simple model for the partial currents during recharge is used to analyse the role of recombination and hydrogen and oxygen evolution in the failure mechanism. It is concluded that, at high recombination efficiencies, hydrogen evolution prevents the complete recharge of the negative plate, thus limiting the cycle life.