The positive grid in stationary lead-acid batteries

The highly oxidizing and acidic environment experienced by the positive plate in telecommunications lead-acid batteries severely limits the choice of positive grid materials. Currently, grids are made from pure lead or lead-based alloys. Although long-lived batteries have been obtained using pure lead grids with complex designs, the need for thick grids coupled with the high density of lead results in batteries with low energy density. Energy density improvements could be achieved if thinner lead grids or thin grids made from less dense materials could be employed. Many approaches to controlling the corrosion and growth rate of lead-based grids as well as to the use of alternative materials have been reported in the literature. This paper provides an in-depth evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of these approaches based on the characteristics associated with a viable grid material