A new ‘sensor’ developed to combat acid stratification has been unveiled by Johnson Controls.
The sensor, presented at last month’s international conference on lead-acid batteries (LABAT17) in Sofia, Bulgaria, comprises an array of several electrochemical mini-cell sensors that simultaneously and continuously measure electrolyte density in different parts of battery cells.
The sensor also contains thermocouples to obtain correct density values for accurate estimation.
LABAT attendees were told the device aims to combat acid stratification – which is a capacity and battery performance killer in cycled SLI car batteries.
The move comes as sales of new SLI car batteries with anti-stratification technology begin in Europe.
In April, IQ Power Licensing, a German “minnow” in the global SLI battery industry, walked away with a coveted “Greentech” award from the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA). The award was for the company’s 360° electrolyte mixing system, which is claimed to avoid acid stratification and increase battery life by a factor of two.
