Sealed bipolar multi-cell battery

A lightweight, bipolar lead-acid battery comprising:

• a grid stack formed of horizontally disposed, vertically stacked monopolar positive plates, monopolar negative plates and bipolar plates;
• said grid stack including a plurality of bipolar plate groupings each including a plurality of bipolar plates having opposite polarity surfaces opposed to each other and containing an electrolyte-containing mat therebetween and having end surfaces facing a monopolar plate of opposite polarity with a layer of electrolyte containing mat therebetween;
• said monopolar negative plates being formed of a central plate of lightweight material, a protective layer of acid-resistant conductive resin coated on each surface of the plate and a layer of negative active material provided on each of said protective layers;
• said monopolar positive plates being formed of a central lightweight plate containing positive active material on each surface thereof;
• said bipolar plates being formed of a central, lightweight plate of material having a protective layer of acid-resistant conductive resin on one surface thereof and a layer of negative active material on said coating and a layer of positive active material on the opposite surface of the central plate;
• positive bus bar means on opposite sides of the grid stack for interconnecting said positive monopolar plates in parallel;
• and
• negative bus bar means on the remaining sides of the stack for interconnecting the negative monopolar plates in parallel and for structurally strengthening the stack.

An improved lead-acid battery comprising in combination:

• a sealed casing defining a common cavity;
• a resealable vent connected to said cavity;
• a stack of electrolyte-impermeable horizontal plates received in said cavity comprising alternately disposed lightweight, positive monopolar plates and lightweight, negative monopolar plates having liquid electrolyte-laden porous mats therebetween defining a plurality of cells said mats having a volumetric capacity exceeding that of the electrolytes and an open pore structure from surface to surface permitting diffusion of oxygen and confining all the liquid electrolyte therein;
• positive and negative terminals mounted on said casing;
• and
• bussing means connecting the plates to their respective terminals.