Improved Internal Connectors for Valve-Regulated Lead-Acid Batteries

The objective of this program is to develop and demonstrate lightweight, low resistance internal connections for valve-regulated lead-acid aircraft batteries that are both easy to apply in the assembly process and highly reliable in service. These new connectors will be targeted for use in standard technology VRLA batteries with lead grids as well as advanced technology VRLA batteries with lead-coated aluminum grids. The specific goals are to achieve a 2 to 4 percent savings in the total battery weight and a 5 to 10 percent improvement in high rate performance. A further objective is to improve the vibration resistance of VRLA batteries. The objective of Phase I is to establish the technical feasibility of this new type of intercell connector in both standard technology aircraft batteries (with standard lead grids) and advanced technology aircraft batteries (with lead-coated aluminum grids).