Lead-acid secondary batteries maintenance

The manufacture of secondary batteries based on aqueous electrolytes forms a major part of the world electrochemical industry. Of this sector, the lead-acid system (and in particular SLI power sources), as described in the last chapter, is by far the most important component, but secondary alkaline cells form a significant and distinct commercial market. They are more expensive, but are particularly suited for consumer products which have relatively low capacity requirements. They are also used where good low temperature characteristics, robustness and low maintenance are important, such as in aircraft applications. Until recently the secondary alkaline industry has been dominated by the cadmium-nickel oxide ( nickel-cadmium ) cell, but two new systems are making major inroads, and may eventually displace the cadmium-nickel oxide cell - at least in the sealed cell market. These are the so-called nickel-metal hydride cell and the rechargeable zinc-manganese dioxide cell. There are also a group of important but more specialized alkaline cell systems which are in use or are under further development for traction, submarine and other applications. 

The same configuration of the hybrid Pb02/MHj. secondary battery has been applied with gel electrolytes instead of aqueous electrolyte (cf. Sections 11.7 and 11.9.1) [56] to solve some issues on conventional batteries maintenance cost and acid stratification for the lead-acid battery, high self-discharge and short life cycles for high current discharge for nickel-metal hydride battery. In addition, gel electrolytes offer advantages such as leak proof, maintenance-free and corrosion-free. 

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