Improved separators for VRLA batteries and methods relating thereto

Abstract

The invention discloses improved battery separators, batteries, and systems, as well as methods relating thereto for use in various lead acid batteries such as valve-regulated lead acid (VRLA) batteries that include one or more AGM layers. The improved battery separators described herein may provide a battery system with an advantage of a significantly decreased acid filling time and a significantly increased acid filling speed. Various improved batteries, methods and systems are described herein using such improved battery separators that increase acid filling speed and decrease acid filling time for a VRLA battery.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application, the original priority date is May 5, 2015; the original international application date is May 5, 2016; the original international application number is PCT / US2016 / 030921; the date of entering the Chinese national phase is 2017 On December 28, 2016, the Chinese application number was 201680038374.X; the original title of the invention was "Improved VRLA battery separator and related methods". [0002] References to related applications [0003] This application claims the benefit of and priority to US Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 157,039, filed May 5, 2015, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. technical field [0004] According to at least selected embodiments, the present disclosure or invention relates to improved battery separators, batteries, and / or methods of manufacture and / or use. According to at least some embodiments, the present disclosure or invention relates to improved sepa...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, the glass fibers in AGM separators can break over time during cycling and high compression

Degradation of glass fibers may alter the level of compression in the battery system over time and may affect acid transport within the AGM separator, possibly leading to poor acid availability of the electrodes and / or potentially causing acid stratification

Acid stratification in VRLA batteries can lead to underutilization of parts of the electrodes, possibly resulting in sulfation, poor battery performance and / or short or reduced cycle life

Also, when acid-filling a VRLA battery with conventional AGM separators, the electrodes may become more reactive, consuming the acid and / or converting it to water or steam, which may produce lead sulfate and may cause hydration short circuits, Dendrite growth, reduced battery life, dry spots and / or thermal runaway

The last area of ​​the AGM separator wetted by the electrolyte is most at risk for hydration shorts

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