Lead acid battery with plastic reinforced grids

Lead acid batteries with tubular positives used for traction and stationary applications are characterized by very low corrosion levels of positive grids. The life expectancy of these batteries is more than 5 years. However they are heavy and bulky and the usage is limited to situations where the weight and volume are not critical. Batteries with pasted type positives, however, are less bulky and lighter but the life is limited to the corrosion of the positive grids normally around 2-3 years. In the method suggested, the advantages of both the above types are made use of. The conducting lead grid is enclosed in a plastic perforated pouch made of polypropylene. The active paste material totally covers the lead grids and inhibits them against the anodic corrosion. The active material is well anchored and retained by the reinforcing plastic mesh. Batteries made thus were subjected to endurance tests as per IS. 1651 and showed virtually no drop in performance even after the completion of 1000 hours test period. The positive plates with plastic reinforced grids are 40% lighter and 50% less bulky than those with tubular positives. Further details on the method of making and the test results are given in the paper presented.