Development of VRLA battery for engine starters and its deterioration detection unit for high reliable telecommunications power system

We have developed a VRLA battery (12 V- 65 Ah) for engine starters and a unit to detect deterioration. This battery can be used to start engine generators for telecommunications and ship engines. A capacity improvement of 14 to 67% has been achieved at a current discharge from 1 to 3 CA compared with the present battery by improving the positive grid and welding between cells. Consequently, we could reduce the battery volume for a ship engine by 40% compared with the present battery. The deterioration detection unit offers three functions, which are lifetime detection, voltage monitoring, and an external alarm, enabling the amount of maintenance required to be greatly reduced. We were able to collect and evaluate field-developed batteries that had been used for about five years to start ship engines. Consequently, we confirmed that they could be used continuously