Understanding and defeating the physical mechanisms limiting the capacity of lead-acid batteries

In this paper, we summarize previous work [1-6] that helped to establish the physical processes limiting the capacity of lead-acid batteries. Ion diffusion and paste conductivity are the dominate processes that limit capacity over a wide range of discharge rates. A model which includes both these processes was developed and used to understand the role of additives in the positive paste. With a basic understanding of the physical mechanisms limiting capacity and equipped with the model, we are pursuing designs for dramatically improving the capacity of lead-acid batteries. Some of these designs will be discussed in this paper.