N 4.2 Optimisation of the Negative Active Material and PSoC Cycle Life of VRLA Batteries for 42V Mild Hybrid Applications Contractor: Exide, CMP, CSIRO, University of BRNO Objective: The team mounting project N 4.2 will explore in some detail the mechanisms involved in the negative plate during HRPSoC operation: charge acceptance will be monitored by means of an analysis of the gas space in the cell, the influence of grid design will be explored, and a systematic study will be made of combinations of negative plate additives in various proportions. This will be followed by post-service analysis and an overview of the results of the whole project to clarify the mechanisms. N 4.4 Optimization of Additives to the Negative Active Material for the Purpose of Extending the Life of VRLA Batteries in High-Rate Partial-State-of-Charge (HRPSoC) Operation Contractors: Hammond Group, Lignotech, NorthStar Batteries Objectives: Project N 4.4 will make a study of the effects of locating effective additives near the outer surface of the negative plate where the accumulation of sulfate appears to be most deleterious. N 5.2 Development of Additives in Negative Active Material to Suppress Sulfation During High Rate Partial State-of-Charge (HRPSoC) Operation Contractors: Japan Storage Battery Objectives: In project N 5.2 an investigation will be carried out of various factors involved in the degradation of the negative plate in HRPSoC operation, including the beneficial role of bulk additives. TE 1 Influence of Trace Elements on the Performance of VRLA Batteries at High Temperatures and Under High-Rate Partial-State-of-Charge (HRPSoC) Operation Contractors: CSIRO Objective: Project TE1 is an investigation into the effects of trace elements on the all-important predisposition of the negative plate to produce hydrogen rather, than to advance in state-of-charge, under a charging current.