Page 529 - Battery Reference Book

Automotive batteries 50117
The bloc container and lid are of high impact It can be seen that the bloc battery can provide a
resistant, temperature-resistant plastic and are welded substantially higher utilization of capacity by the same
electrolyte-tight together. In block batteries, the cells discharge current or facilitate the use of a lower rated
are connected to another inside the block container capacity by the same discharge currents.
by connector technology patented by Varta. This Varta bloc batteries can be operated with a voltage of
results in optimum voltage conditions during dis- 2.23 Vkell without the necessity of an extra charging
charge. In the case of single cells, this is attained stage with 2.4Vkell. This voltage ensures that the
through the use of copper cores in the terminals battery attains and maintains a fully charged state.
and connectors. Supplementary charges are therefore unnecessary.
Figure 50.6 compares the discharge current intensity In contrast to conventional lead-acid battery con-
for a Varta bloc battery (Vb type) and a conventional structions, Varta bloc batteries ensure considerably
stationary battery (OPzS type). higher energy throughput and also accept a low float
charge current, and thereby ensure a minimum elec-
trolyte decomposition of the water during the whole
lifespan.
The quantity of electrolyte between the maximum
and minimum level marks ensures maintenance-free
operation for 3 years.
Because of the closed type of construction, together
with the use of a safety vent plug system, a special
battery room is not necessary. Installation of the block
batteries and single cells up to type Vo 2312 is on steel
step stands or steel tier stands. This type of assembly
ensures ease of installation, which can be carried out
by untrained pcrsonnel if necessary. Single cells of the
types Vo 2407 and 2420 are installed on wooden base
stands.
After filling with sulphuric acid, only a short com-
missioning charge is required and then the full perfor-
mance capacity is attained. Even after several years’
storage, a capacity of more than 80% is available
immediately after filling.

50.3 Automotive batteries
Typical ranges of automotive batteries available from
Figure 50.5 Varta bloc standby power battery (Courtesy of Varta) major manufacturers are exemplified in Tables 50.17
and 50.18. Table 50.17 illustrates the Motorcraft range
of car, van and commercial batteries available from
Ford Motors. These batteries are described either as
low maintenance or as maintenance free, the latter
employing recombination electrolyte technology (see
Part 2). Reserve capacities of 46-210min are available
in the 1OV car/van battery range and of 180-600min
in the larger commercial 6 and 12 V batteries. Chloride
Automotive Batteries supply two ranges of automotive
batteries (Table 50.18). The Exide Punch Packer range
is described as maintenance free with no topping up
normally required. These batteries do have a facility
for topping up with distilled water should component
failure cause premature water loss.
The Torque Starter high-performance batteries
(Table 50.18), which employ recombination electrolyte
technology, are available in two sizes, designed in such
a way that they will fit 92% of all cars. This has the
Time (min) advantage of enabling battery suppliers to carry less
stock and thereby tie up less capital. In addition to zero
Figure 50.6 Varta bloc standby power battery discharge current
depends on the bridging period EC-o = 1.8OV per 100Ah maintenance, the recombination electrolyte principle of
(Courtesy of Varta) a fully sealed battery ensures that no acid spillage can