Design and performance of high power density starting batteries

Automobile fuel economy and vehicle packaging goals have created a demand for starting batteries with progressively increasing power densities. Reducing battery internal resistance and improving active material utilization has resulted in battery designs with greatly improved performance levels. High rate discharge power density at -18/sup 0/C has been improved by over 70% and over 50% for two battery types through electrode thickness reduction, interelectrode spacing reduction and other component changes designed to minimize internal resistance.