Currently comprising a US$36bn market (and rising swiftly), lead batteries are inexpensive, safe, 100-per-cent recyclable, and have 100 years of proven history. Yet the battery performance needs of modern applications such as stop/start and hybrid electric vehicles demand that the lead battery evolves to meet these shifting market requirements. One such response – the launch of a new less-toxic drop-in replacement electrolyte for sulphuric acid in lead batteries – could transpire to be the most significant upgrade in the lead battery’s history.

 

Headquartered in Austin, Texas, the firm behind the launch – Tydrolyte LLC –  is introducing its patent-pending, novel, safe, and superior performing electrolyte solution for automotive, motive, and stationary storage lead battery manufacturers. A whitepaper with independent test results – available at www.Tydrolyte.com – demonstrates the potential of this breakthrough material (Tydrolyte™) to increase battery life, battery efficiency and charge acceptance. These are critical performance parameters needed for stop/start and mild hybrid vehicles, as well as other lead battery applications. 

 

Approaching a $85bn market by 2025

 

The global lead battery market is expected to reach US$84.46 billion by 2025, according market research firm Grand View Research, meaning that the demand for high performing solutions in the segment is only set to expand.

 

“Tydrolyte is a novel innovative chemistry and a promising new approach to advancing lead batteries. It eliminates the drawbacks of handling sulphuric acid including safety, storage, disposal and insurance. Even more importantly, initial tests demonstrate that it may improve some critical performance parameters,” said Paul Bundschuh, CEO Tydrolyte LLC. “Another benefit is that as a drop-in replacement, the new electrolyte doesn’t require any change in existing paste recipes, production technology, or equipment, so battery manufacturers can switch to it easily.”

 

The lead–acid battery – consisting of lead, lead oxide, and a sulphuric acid electrolyte – was invented in 1859 by French physicist Gaston Planté and is the oldest type of rechargeable battery. Lead batteries have been – and continue to be – the most popular rechargeable battery, with over 400GWh shipped annually according to market research firm Avicenne Energy. This is equivalent to over 400 giga-factories of established capacity spread throughout world. 

 

“A bright future” for the lead battery

 

“In spite of its historic success, many aspects of lead battery chemistry are not fully understood – and this provides a significant opportunity to further enhance the performance of world’s most popular rechargeable battery technology,” stated Dr Boris Monahov, PhD, Program Manager at the Advanced Lead-Acid Battery Consortium (ALABC). “We are delighted to welcome Tydrolyte into membership of the ALABC, and strongly support companies such as Tydrolyte in pursuing innovative new solutions to the challenge of improving lead battery performance,” he continued. 

 

“There is a bright future for the lead battery, but it is essential that the industry continues to drive innovation to meet future market requirements.”

 

According to its manufacturer, Tydrolyte can be easily adopted by lead battery manufacturers without additional capital expenses or production technology.

 

Lead batteries are one of the world’s most environmentally sustainable industrial products. 100 per cent of lead battery material is recyclable, and in the US and Western Europe, 99 per cent of lead batteries are recycled, achieving the designation of the world’s most recycled product. The entire lead battery circular economy including manufacturing, consumer product, and post-consumer recycling is accomplished with minimal human exposure to lead materials.