ABSTRACT
Developed in the nineteenth century, Plante Battery is the oldest design of any rechargeable battery. The plate looks like a car radiator with fine lamellas giving the plate an extremely large surface, approximately 12 times the geometric area. The cells demonstrate a typical life of 25 years. In a temperature-controlled environment, the major drawback is the high initial cost. The grid is designed for mechanical strength and to conduct electricity to terminal posts. The tubular plate designs utilize an alloy grid that resembles along toothed comb, which is placed inside a polyester pan pipe. The space between the lead spines and the polyester pipe is filled with active materials. The electrolyte may not need replenishment, but all other maintenance and periodic tests are required. These have immobilized electrolyte inside the cells. The reliability has been demonstrated from the frozen climate of Siberia to tropical heat in Zaire. The initial cost is a consideration.
