Electrolyte additive concentration for maximum energy storage in lead-acid batteries

Abstract

This paper presents a method to assess the effect of electrolyte additives on the energy capacity of Pb-acid batteries. The method applies to additives of various kinds, including suspensions and gels. The approach is based on thermodynamics and leads to the definition of a region of admissible concentrations—the battery’s admissible range—where the battery can operate without suffering irreversible changes. An experimental procedure to determine this range is presented. The obtained results provide a way to assess the potential of electrolyte additives to improve the energy capacity of Pb-acid batteries. They also provide a means to determine the additive concentration that produces the maximum energy capacity increase of the battery. The paper closes with an example of the application of the proposed approach to a practical case.