Effects of carbon in negative plates on cycle-life performance of valve-regulated lead/acid batteries

Increasing amounts of carbon in the negative plates of valve-regulated lead/acid batteries reduced the PbSO4 accumulation and extended the life performance in the simulated cycle-life test using the operational pattern of hybrid electric vehicles and photovoltaic power systems. It improved also the rechargeability of large batteries and cycle-life performance when operated in the condition of a small overcharge. Carbon formed a conductive network on PbSO4 particles of the discharged negative plates.