Amplification of electrolyte uptake in the absorptive glass mat (AGM) separator for valve regulated lead acid (VRLA) batteries

Absorptive glass mat (AGM) separators are widely used for valve regulated lead acid (VRLA) batteries due to their remarkable fiber and structural characteristics. Discharge performance and recharge effectiveness of VRLA batteries essentially rely on the distribution and saturation levels of the electrolyte within the AGM separator. Herein, we report an analytical model for predicting the wicking characteristics of AGM battery separators under unconfined and confined states. The model of wicking behavior of AGM is based upon Fries and Dreyer's approach that included the effect of gravity component which was neglected in classic Lucas-Washburn's model. In addition, the predictive model of wicking accounted for realistic structural characteristics of AGM via orientation averaging approach. For wicking under confined state, the structural parameters have been updated under defined level of compressive stresses based upon the constitutive equation derived for a planar network of fibers in AGM under transverse loading conditions. A comparison has been made between the theoretical models and experimental results of wicking behavior under unconfined and confined states. Most importantly, the presented work has highlighted the questionable validity of classic Lucas-Washburn model for predicting the wicking characteristics of AGM separator over longer time duration.