Spiral wound technology

Exide Technologies has launched a new range of monobloc batteries featuring spiral wound AGM technologies. The drysafe RECUP (short for recuperation) batteries require no maintenance (including topping up) as the electrolyte is suspended in an Absorbed Glass Mat.

The main benefit is that they offer superior high power performance (such as large power draws over short durations) and are well suited for fast and/or opportunity charging as they can accept a high charge.

They are claimed to be ideal for a range of applications including electric pallet trucks, automated guided vehicles, hybrid and electric cars (especially those that use regenerative braking), electric boats, go-karts, and cleaning machines.

The spiral wound design gives a greater surface area of positive and negative plate within the cell and is the most efficient way of liberating the stored energy from a lead acid battery. As well as being maintenance free, the batteries are vibration resistant and can operate effectively in low temperatures. They are also claimed to have minimal health and safety implications due to the electrolyte being suspended in a glass microfibre mat; no electrolyte is spilt even if the battery case is damaged.

They can offer 450 charging cycles.

The drysafe RECUP batteries are best used in conjunction with high efficiency chargers such as Exide's compact 2100 range of chargers.