THE scope of extensive research devoted to storage battery improvements during recent years is emphasized in this paper, together with a comprehensive review of results achieved to date. In an effort to produce an optimum battery, research has been directed to the qualitative factors, leading to improved performance during the life of the battery, and to quantitative characteristics which would lengthen its life.
The author points out that manufacturers have concentrated on building more and more cranking capacity into their product, accomplishing this by decreasing plate thickness, increasing separator efficiency, and by the use of improved active material. He reviews the factors which limit life under cycling and overcharge conditions, and surveys the research which has led to the use of corrosion-resistant alloys to correct electrolysis.