Technical Textiles and Lead Storage Batteries: A Critical Engineering Solution

It is clear every element of a lead battery cell is the result of highly technical engineering solutions and industry intelligence.  This of course includes the plates, chemical components and separators, but high on this list is the nonwoven battery gauntlet. 

Avoca is a world leading manufacturer of the technical gauntlet required to really maximise the life of your battery, its reliability and end application performance. 

The importance of the nonwoven battery gauntlet, and need for skilled manufacturing is due to its key function within the battery cell.  The gauntlet is the supportive sleeve that surrounds the positive plate of a tubular lead battery cell.  The plate itself comprises of lead spines immersed in a paste of lead dioxide, which is the active material. 

The gauntlet’s first job is to hold the lead oxide in place around the spines and withstand the expansion and contraction of the active material.  Its inherent elasticity and recovery characteristics ensure this happens through the life of the battery cell. 

Its second job is to allow circulation of the sulfuric acid electrolyte to allow the electrochemical reaction to be efficient.  To do this the surface of the gauntlet must be uniform and highly porous.  Our gauntlet optimises pore structure to give excellent reactivity, and reduces issues such as hot spots or uneven degradation.

A third role for the gauntlet is to remain stable while withstanding the chemical reactions from acid and oxidization.  The gauntlet itself is constructed from high grade polyester, impregnated to allow heat forming, to make sure this is consistent throughout the life of the battery cell.

Lead battery cells are found in a variety of increasingly important industries and applications wherever energy is stored and discharged:

• Motive power – forklift trucks, electric vehicles and electric powered handling equipment to give just a few examples
• Standby power – to provide UPS, or Uninterruptable Power Supply to telecommunication networks or data centres
• Renewable Energy Storage – solar and wind power systems use lead battery cells for secure and efficient storage

This shows the importance of lead battery cells in both industry and domestic applications.  Avoca Services offer premium gauntlet solutions to the global battery industry, and are a bench mark in quality, robust supply chain, and tailored solutions to our customers both existing and future.