A Water-Activated Lead-Acid Dry-Charged Battery

A water-activable, dry-charged lead-acid automotive battery is described in which concentrated sulfuric acid is immobilized and stored in a phenolic foam block within each cell. Design and construction features are described, and the method of activating the battery with water is outlined.

Battery performance is described, and shelf life is measured by comparing precharge performance of the water-activable battery with that of a conventional design as a function of battery age. The new fiberglass reinforced polyethylene thin-wall battery container is described. Physical properties are compared with typical copolymer and hard rubber containers.