In accordance with at least selected embodiments or aspects, the present invention is directed to improved, unique, and/or complex performance lead acid battery separators, such as improved flooded lead acid battery separators, batteries including such separators, methods of production, and/or methods of use. The preferred battery separator of the present invention addresses and optimizes multiple separator properties simultaneously. It is believed that the present invention is the first to recognize the need to address multiple separator properties simultaneously, the first to choose particular multiple separator property combinations, and the first to produce commercially viable multiple property battery separators, especially such a separator having negative cross ribs.

An electrochemical cell assembly includes an electrochemical cell including housing and a negative active material disposed within a first electrode chamber of the housing. The negative active material includes lead. The electrochemical cell further includes a positive active material disposed within a second electrode chamber of the housing and a separator disposed in the housing between the first electrode chamber and the second electrode chamber. The positive active material includes lead and/or lead dioxide. The electrochemical cell assembly further includes a pumping assembly configured to pump a plurality of electrolytes through either the first electrode chamber or the second electrode chamber during operation of the electrochemical cell based on a process of a cell cycle of the electrochemical cell.

In at least select embodiments, the instant disclosure is directed to new or improved battery separators, components, materials, additives, surfactants, lead acid batteries, systems, vehicles, and/or related methods of production and/or use. In at least certain embodiments, the instant disclosure is directed to surfactants or other additives for use with a battery separator for use in a lead acid battery, to battery separators with a surfactant or other additive, and/or to batteries including such separators. In at least certain select embodiments, the instant disclosure relates to new or improved lead acid battery separators and/or systems including improved water loss technology and/or methods of manufacture and/or use thereof. In at least select embodiments, the instant disclosure is directed toward a new or improved lead acid battery separator or system with one or more surfactants and/or additives, and/or methods for constructing lead acid battery separators and batteries with such surfactants and/or additives for improving and/or reducing water loss from the battery.

In at least select embodiments, the instant disclosure is directed to new or improved battery separators, components, materials, additives, surfactants, lead acid batteries, systems, vehicles, and/or related methods of production and/or use. In at least certain embodiments, the instant disclosure is directed to surfactants or other additives for use with a battery separator for use in a lead acid battery, to battery separators with a surfactant or other additive, and/or to batteries including such separators. In at least certain select embodiments, the instant disclosure relates to new or improved lead acid battery separators and/or systems including improved water loss technology and/or methods of manufacture and/or use thereof. In at least select embodiments, the instant disclosure is directed toward a new or improved lead acid battery separator or system with one or more surfactants and/or additives, and/or methods for constructing lead acid battery separators and batteries with such surfactants and/or additives for improving and/or reducing water loss from the battery.

A lead-acid battery is disclosed. The battery comprises a container with a cover having one or more compartments. One or more cell elements are provided in the one or more compartments. The cell elements comprise a positive electrode and a negative electrode. The positive electrode has a positive current collector and a positive electrochemically active material in contact therewith. The negative electrode has a negative current collector and a negative electrochemically active material in contact therewith. At least one of the positive electrode or the negative electrode comprises a cured carbon or carbonized fiber mat current collector impregnated with the respective electrochemically active material. The cured carbon or carbonized fiber mat current collector comprises a frame member composed of a lead-calcium alloy. Electrolyte is provided within the container. One or more terminal posts extend from the container or the cover and are electrically coupled to the cell elements.

A lead-acid battery is disclosed. The battery comprises a container with a cover having one or more compartments. One or more cell elements are provided in the one or more compartments. The cell elements comprise a positive electrode and a negative electrode. The positive electrode has a positive current collector and a positive electrochemically active material in contact therewith. The negative electrode has a negative current collector and a negative electrochemically active material in contact therewith. At least one of the positive electrode or the negative electrode comprises a cured carbon or carbonized fiber mat current collector impregnated with the respective electrochemically active material. The cured carbon or carbonized fiber mat current collector comprises a frame member composed of a lead-calcium alloy. Electrolyte is provided within the container. One or more terminal posts extend from the container or the cover and are electrically coupled to the cell elements.

The present disclosure relates to a dual energy storage system that includes a lithium ion battery electrically coupled in parallel with a lead acid battery, where the lithium ion battery and the lead-acid battery are electrically coupled to a vehicle bus, where the lithium ion battery open circuit voltage (OCV) partially matches the lead-acid battery OCV such that the lead-acid battery OCV at 100% of the lead-acid battery state of charge (SOC) is about equal to the lithium ion battery OCV at 50% of the lithium ion battery SOC.

The present disclosure relates to a dual energy storage system that includes a lithium ion battery electrically coupled in parallel with a lead acid battery, where the lithium ion battery and the lead-acid battery are electrically coupled to a vehicle bus, where the lithium ion battery open circuit voltage (OCV) partially matches the lead-acid battery OCV such that the lead-acid battery OCV at 100% of the lead-acid battery state of charge (SOC) is about equal to the lithium ion battery OCV at 50% of the lithium ion battery SOC.

A lead-acid battery is disclosed. The lead-acid storage battery has a container with a cover, the container including one or more compartments. One or more cell elements are provided in the one or more compartments. The one or more cell elements include a positive plate, the positive plate having a positive grid and a positive electrochemically active material on the positive grid; a negative plate, the negative plate having a negative grid and a negative electrochemically active material on the negative grid, wherein the negative electrochemically active material comprises barium sulfate and an organic expander; and a separator between the positive plate and the negative plate. Electrolyte is provided within the container. One or more terminal posts extend, from the cover and are electrically coupled to the one or more cell elements.

A negative electrode active material for a lead storage battery or a Pb/C battery according to an embodiment includes a porous carbon material having a plurality of pores and a lead nanoparticle formed in the pores. The material may be capable of controlling the crystal size of lead sulfate produced at a negative electrode during discharging of a lead storage battery and a Pb/C battery.