BATTERY ELECTRODE PLATE HAVING EVEN THERMAL DISTRIBUTION
An electrode plate ( 44 ) for a lead-acid battery ( 10 ) is disclosed. The electrode plate includes a current-collecting first layer ( 48 ). In addition, the electrode plate also includes a second layer ( 50 ) comprising flexible graphite sheeting ( 52 ) and configured to distribute thermal energy within the electrode plate. Further, the electrode plate includes a third layer ( 48, 62 ), wherein the second layer is disposed between the current-collecting first layer and the third layer.
1 . An electrode plate for a lead-acid battery, comprising:
a current-collecting first layer;
a second layer comprising flexible graphite sheeting and configured to distribute thermal energy within the electrode plate; and
a third layer, wherein the second layer is disposed between the current-collecting first layer and the third layer.
2 . The electrode plate of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first and third layers comprises a carbon foam material.
3 . The electrode plate of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first and third layers comprises a graphite foam material.
4 . The electrode plate of claim 1 , further including a lead grid layer adjacent to the second layer.
5 . The electrode plate of claim 4 , wherein the flexible graphite sheeting of the second layer includes a graphite grid, the alignment of the graphite grid being offset from the lead grid.
6 . The electrode plate of claim 4 , wherein the lead grid is configured to provide structural support for the electrode plate.
7 . An electrode plate for a lead-acid battery, comprising:
a current-collecting, carbon foam first layer; and
a second layer formed of flexible graphite sheeting and configured to distribute thermal energy within the electrode plate.
8 . The electrode plate of claim 7 , wherein the second layer is disposed on an outer surface of the current-collecting, carbon foam first layer.
9 . The electrode plate of claim 7 , wherein the flexible graphite sheeting includes a perforated sheet or a grid.
10 . The electrode plate of claim 9 , further including a layer of chemically active material.
11 . The electrode plate of claim 10 , wherein the layer of chemically active material is disposed between the layer of flexible graphite sheeting and the current-collecting, carbon foam first layer.
12 . The electrode plate of claim 10 , wherein the chemically active material is an oxide of lead or a salt of lead.
13 . The electrode plate of claim 7 , further including a current-collecting third layer comprising graphite foam.
14 . An electrode plate for a battery, comprising:
a current-collecting first layer; and
a second layer comprising flexible graphite sheeting and configured to distribute thermal energy within the electrode plate;
wherein the flexible graphite sheeting includes a perforated sheet or grid.
15 . The electrode plate of claim 14 , wherein the second layer is disposed on an outer surface of the current-collecting first layer.
16 . The electrode plate of claim 14 , wherein the current-collecting first layer comprises carbon foam.
17 . The electrode plate of claim 14 , further including a layer of chemically active material.
18 . The electrode plate of claim 17 , wherein the layer of chemically active material is disposed between the layer of flexible graphite sheeting and the current-collecting, carbon foam first layer.
19 . The electrode plate of claim 17 , wherein the chemically active material is an oxide of lead or a salt of lead.
20 . The electrode plate of claim 14 , further including a current-collecting third layer comprising graphite foam.