High Energy, Lightweight, Sealed Lead Acid Battery for V-22 Applications

"The objective of this proposal is to develop and demonstrate lightweight grids for a lead acid aircraft battery with a goal of achieving a 10 to 15 % weight savings. Lead acid batteries are realiable, safe and cost effective for most applications. Thesebatteries have demonstrated remarkable reliability at most operating temperatures and conditions. However, they are heavy and bulky. A significant weight savings can be achieved by replacing the core of the present cast lead (Pb) alloy grid with alightweight substrate of an aluminum (Al) alloy that has been treated and coated with a thin layer of lead. Additional weight savings can be realized by replacing the current intercell posts and cell top straps of lead with Pb coated lightweightmaterials. The lead layer being necessary to protect the lightweight materials from chemical and electrochemical corrosion and provide a bond to the active material for the electrodes. Not Applicable"