Research institutes in Europe have partnered to investigate how tailor-made carbons can increase key performance indicators for lead batteries.
The two-year project aims to improve the dynamic charge acceptance (DCA) of lead batteries to make them more attractive for start-stop, micro and mild-hybrid automotive applications.
Teams from Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research and Poland’s Wrocław University of Science and Technology will explore the fundamental properties of carbon additives with focus on surface functional groups, and the effect they have on lead battery performance.
The partnership will investigate cold cranking amperage, and DCA and hydrogen evolution reaction (the side reaction occurring on a negative electrode surface which accelerates the electrolyte loss).
Researchers will use screening techniques combined with tailor-made carbons to examine how carbon chemistry interacts with lead and other common additives.
The Consortium for Battery Innovation (CBI) facilitated the partnership. Its technical roadmap identified DCA performance as essential to continuing the innovative advancements in lead battery technology for both energy storage and automotive applications.
Dr Alistair Davidson, director of CBI, said: “Responding to market demand from the automotive sector, this new research project is building on collaborative workshops organized by the Consortium in partnership with OEMs and car companies over the last few years.
“It’s one of a new set of exciting projects aiming to enhance the performance of lead batteries to meet the technical requirements of start-stop and micro-hybrid vehicles.”
Image: 2V, 2.5 Ah ISC laboratory cells (Copyright Fraunhofer ISC)
