Abstract: The present invention is directed to an environmental control system for use with a battery cabinet having at least one battery and a fan employable to circulate air through the battery cabinet, and method of operating the fan to circulate air through the battery cabinet. In one embodiment, the environmental control system includes a voltage sensor that monitors a voltage associated with the battery, and a battery temperature sensor that monitors a temperature of the battery. The environmental control system also includes a fan control subsystem, coupled to the voltage and battery temperature sensors, that activates the fan upon an occurrence of one of: the temperature of the battery exceeding a predetermined temperature, and the voltage associated with the battery exceeding a predetermined voltage.

Abstract: For use with a valve regulated lead acid (VRLA) battery, a fluid fill system and a method of maintaining fill fluid in a VRLA battery. In one embodiment, the system includes: (1) a fluid determination circuit, associated with the battery, that determines a quantity of fill fluid in the VRLA battery and (2) a controller, coupled to the fluid determination circuit, that introduces replacement fill fluid into the VRLA battery based on the quantity to replace fill fluid lost from the VRLA battery. The fluid determination circuit comprises sensors that measure a temperature and pressure associated with the VRLA battery, and a state of a fluid release valve on the battery.

Abstract: A constraining sleeve device is applied to a plastic battery casing to prevent distortion of the casing contour. A metal constraining sleeve slides onto and over a broad face or side of the plastic battery casing and provides constraining forces to maintain its contour. This sleeve is retained in place by end members at each end of the constraining sleeve device that engages structural features existing and located at opposing ends of the casing. In another embodiment a pair of constraining sleeve devices are applied to opposing broad sides of the battery casing.

Abstract: A bath for the electrodeposition of corrosion-resistant, amorphous, Fe-Cr-P coatings comprising chromium sulfate, ferric ammonium sulfate, sodium hypophosphite, citrate ion, citric acid, boric acid and sodium, potassium, magnesium or ammonium sulfate to increase the conductivity of the bath.