BEST has published a series of articles looking at the benefits and manufacturability of the bipolar lead-acid battery construction.The main attribute is the increase in energy density due to a simplified construction,which eliminates the need for intercell and plate-group lead connections.This gives a lower weight and volume for the battery,as well as a potential cost reduction,by eliminating a high proportion of the main component-lead.The difficulties of manufacturing this design of battery from a materials-engineering viewpoint have been discussed in two previous articles.Despite these drawbacks a keen interest persists to realise further improvements in performance and cost benefits.Looking through commercial literature,the potential benefits,up to 8oWh/kg for example,seem impressive,but are they achievable? This article takes a critical look at some of the more optimistic claims and evaluates their feasibility.
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