The lead–acid battery consisting of lead, lead oxide, and a sulfuric acid electrolyte was invented in 1859 by French physicist Gaston Planté and is the oldest type of rechargeable battery. Lead batteries have been and continue to be the most popular rechargeable battery with over 400 GWh shipped annually according to market research firm Avicenne Energy. This is equivalent to over 400 giga-factories of established capacity spread throughout world. But in spite of its historic success, many aspects of lead battery chemistry are not fully understood.
Tydrolyte LLC is introducing its patent-pending electrolyte solution that will eliminate the drawbacks of handling sulfuric acid including safety, storage, disposal and insurance and initial tests demonstrate that it may improve some critical performance parameters.
“Another benefit is that as a drop-in replacement the new electrolyte doesn’t require any change in existing paste recipes, production technology, or equipment, so battery manufacturers can switch to it easily,” said Paul Bundschuh, CEO Tydrolyte LLC.
“We are delighted to welcome Tydrolyte into membership of the ALABC, and strongly support companies such as Tydrolyte in pursuing innovative new solutions to the challenge of improving lead battery performance,” stated Dr. Boris Monahov, PhD, program manager at the Advanced Lead-Acid Battery Consortium (ALABC). “There is a bright future for the lead battery, but it is essential that the industry continues to drive innovation to meet future market requirements. We look forward to working with Tydrolyte in the future.”
Lead batteries are one of the world’s most environmentally sustainable industrial products. 100% of lead battery material is recyclable, and in the U.S. and Western Europe, 99% of lead batteries are recycled, achieving the designation of the world’s most recycled product. The entire lead battery circular economy including manufacturing, consumer product, and post-consumer recycling is accomplished with minimal human exposure to lead materials.
A whitepaper with independent test results is available at the company website.
— Solar Builder magazine
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