Can catalysts solve all the problems of VRLA batteries?
Catalysts have recently been promoted as a cure for some of the effects that have caused low reliability for some VRLA batteries, and at least one manufacturer now installs these devices as standard in its VRLA products. Basically, catalysts address specific issues relating to self-discharge of the negative plate. They will also reduce the rate of water loss from a cell in which there has been a loss of compression of the plate stack, with a corresponding reduction in recombination efficiency at the plate surface. What they cannot do is to alter the fundamental characteristics of VRLA batteries. Catalysts may help VRLA batteries to reach their full life expectancy of 8 years or so for a high quality design, but they cannot turn these batteries into 20-year products.
