Separators for automotive lead/acid batteries: selection of suitable types for different climate zones

World climates are divided broadly into cold, temperate and tropical zones. It is well known that the performance of automotive batteries under cold, warm or hot conditions is determined by the characteristics of the chosen separators. In the battery tests reported here, polyethylene envelope separators are found to be beneficial in cold environments. By contrast, leaf-type, polyethylene, synthetic pulp separators with glass mat give better results in warm conditions and very good peformance at high temperatures. Therefore, it is concluded that polyethylene envelope separators are suitable for cold climates, while leaf-type, polyethylene, synthetic pulp separators with glass mat are more appropriate for warm and hot climates.