FUTURE FOR LEAD-ACID BATTERIES?
FUTURE FOR LEAD-ACID BATTERIES?
(OP)
According to an email circulated round my company, there is none.
In Europe, lead-acid batteries will be banned some time over the next few years (except for some specific applications, eg military). The reason is the nastiness of lead and sulphuric acid. I don't disagree with the toxicity issues but I don't normally feel the urge to drink out of batteries. I believe that the lead issue extends to solder, which must be lead-free from 2010 onwards.
I find the whole issue difficult to comprehend because of the immense infrastructure that exists for automotive batteries, the excellent battery recycling methods available, and the lack of a viable replacement technology. Or is there one? What are battery manufacturers doing about it? Or have I been misinformed?
John





RE: FUTURE FOR LEAD-ACID BATTERIES?
Wet Nicad batteries have been competing with lead acid batteries for over twenty years in large stationary battery banks, but cost has limited the application to mostly government and military applications. I was involved with the installation of the largest Nicad battery system in the southern hemisphere (Sydney Opera House).
It is one thing to use very expensive battery technology in a camera or mobile phone. Quite another to suggest that a $900 car engine starting battery built from very exotic materials will be coming soon.
RE: FUTURE FOR LEAD-ACID BATTERIES?
RE: FUTURE FOR LEAD-ACID BATTERIES?
Leisure batteries are of much lighter internal structure with a much higher exposed plate area per unit volume. This is ideal for a softly sprung private car, and where very high cranking current is required for short periods.
Traction batteries usually have a much longer life than leisure batteries, even if well maintained. The car battery that is o/k one day, then fails to start the car the next day is not all that uncommon. Usually something inside has warped, broken, shorted out, become detached, or whatever.
RE: FUTURE FOR LEAD-ACID BATTERIES?
Rod
RE: FUTURE FOR LEAD-ACID BATTERIES?
To quote Mark Twain, "The rumors of my death have been greatly exaggerated."