The "Encyclopedia of Electrochemical Power Sources" is a truly interdisciplinary reference for those working with batteries, fuel cells, electrolyzers, supercapacitors, and photo-electrochemical cells. With a focus on the environmental and economic impact of electrochemical power sources, this five-volume work consolidates coverage of the field and serves as an entry point to the literature for professionals and students alike.
Covers the main types of power sources, including their operating principles, systems, materials, and applications
Serves as a primary source of information for electrochemists, materials scientists, energy technologists, and engineers
Incorporates nearly 350 articles, with timely coverage of such topics as environmental and sustainability considerations

Increasing pressure on global reserves of petroleum at a time of growing demand for personal transport in
developing countries, together with concerns over atmospheric pollution and carbon dioxide emissions, are
leading to a requirement for more sustainable forms of road transport. Major improvements in the efficiency
of all types of road vehicles are called for, along with the use of fuels derived from alternative sources, or
entirely new fuels. "Towards Sustainable Road Transport" first describes the evolution of vehicle designs and
propulsion technologies over the past two centuries, before looking forward to possible new forms of energy
to substitute for petroleum. The book also discusses the political and socio-economic drivers for change,
investigates barriers to their broad implementation, and outlines the state-of-the-art of candidate power
sources, advanced vehicle design, and associated infrastructure. The comprehensive technical information
supplied by an expert author team ensures that "Towards Sustainable Road Transport" will provide readers
with a clear understanding of the ongoing progress in this field and the challenges still to be faced.
Drivers of technological change in road transport and the infrastructure requirementsDiscussion of alternative fuels for internal combustion engines and fuel conversion technologiesDetailed exploration of current and emerging options for vehicle propulsion, with emphasis on hybrid/
battery electric traction, hydrogen, and fuel cellsComparative analysis of vehicle design requirements, primary power source efficiency, and energy storage
systems

Lead-Acid Batteries for Future Automobiles provides an overview on the innovations that were recently introduced in automotive lead-acid batteries and other aspects of current research. Innovative concepts are presented, some of which aim to make lead-acid technology a candidate for higher levels of powertrain hybridization, namely 48-volt mild or high-volt full hybrids. Lead-acid batteries continue to dominate the market as storage devices for automotive starting and power supply systems, but are facing competition from alternative storage technologies and being challenged by new application requirements, particularly related to new electric vehicle functions and powertrain electrification.

Electricity from renewable sources of energy is plagued by fluctuations (due to variations in wind strength or the intensity of insolation) resulting in a lack of stability if the energy supplied from such sources is used in 'real time'. An important solution to this problem is to store the energy electrochemically (in a secondary battery or in hydrogen and its derivatives) and to make use of it in a controlled fashion at some time after it has been initially gathered and stored. Electrochemical battery storage systems are the major technologies for decentralized storage systems and hydrogen is the only solution for long-term storage systems to provide energy during extended periods of low wind speeds or solar insolation. Future electricity grid design has to include storage systems as a major component for grid stability and for security of supply. The technology of systems designed to achieve this regulation of the supply of renewable energy, and a survey of the markets that they will serve, is the subject of this book. It includes economic aspects to guide the development of technology in the right direction.

For many decades, the lead-acid battery has been the most widely used energy-storage device for medium- and large-scale applications (approximately 100Wh and above). In recent years, the traditional, flooded design of the battery has begun to be replaced by an alternative design. This version - the valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA) battery - requires no replenishment of the water content of the electrolyte solution, does not spill liquids, and can be used in any desired orientation. Since the VRLA battery operates in a somewhat different manner from its flooded counterpart, considerable technological development has been necessary to meet the exacting performance requirements of the full range of applications in which rechargeable batteries are used.
The valve-regulated design is now well established in the industrial battery sector, and also appears set to be adopted widely for automotive duty.
This book provides a comprehensive account of VRLA technology and its uses. In the future, all industrial processes - including the manufacture of batteries - will be required to conform to the conventions of sustainability. Accordingly, the crucial areas of the environmental impact associated with the production and use of VRLA batteries and the recycling of spent units are also treated thoroughly.
Valve-Regulated Lead-Acid Batteries gives an essential insight into the science that underlies the development and operation of VRLA batteries and is a comprehensive reference source for those involved in the practical use of the technology in key energy-storage applications.
- Covers all major advances in the field.
- Provides a comprehensive account of VRLA technology and its uses.
- First book dedicated to this technology.