Microstructural comparison of positive float and trickle discharge operations on the positive electrodes of submarine storage batteries with lead-calcium alloy grids
Loading...
Authors
Coyle, Michael Thomas
Subjects
Dendritic network
Float
Trickle-discharge
Active material morphology
Grid surface corrosion layer
Battery
Lead-acid battery
Battery capacity
Float
Trickle-discharge
Active material morphology
Grid surface corrosion layer
Battery
Lead-acid battery
Battery capacity
Advisors
Perkins, A. Jeff
Date of Issue
1976-09
Date
September 1976
Publisher
Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School
Language
en_US
Abstract
Lead calcium alloy grid batteries are utilized as the backup emergency power supply on non-diesel-electric submarines. Sudden and premature capacity losses have been experienced when these batteries are operated in a fleet mode while in standby conditions, hence a continuous drain, or trickle discharge, is maintained in lieu of float. This requires periodic battery charges to restore full capacity. The microstructural effects of float and trickle discharge operation on positive plates from small cells, manufactured from full size submarine battery plates, and studies with a scanning electron microscope. This is complemented with light microscopy observations and x-ray diffraction analysis. A patterned dendritic network of spiny crystals was discovered to be prevalent in the trickle-discharged plates. This network was seen on the grid surface corrosion layer and on a dense layer found in the internal active materials. It is postulated that this network may be related to lead-sulfate dissolution upon recharge.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Mechanical Engineering
Organization
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funding
Format
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.