From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
The condition and performance testing of a battery, comparing it favorably to a Cadillac battery.
Identifier | ExFiles\Box 41\2\ Scan098 | |
Date | 23th April 1919 | |
Page 2 The jar was broken when the elements were removed and it was noted that the jar used in this battery is the same Exide jar as used on our present battery. The cover was evidently from a smaller battery as it was patched in two places in order to secure a proper fit, and it can be laid to the patched cover that the battery case was destroyed as it was only a short while before the seams in the cover opened up and allowed the electrolyte to leak out and damage the case beyond further use. The general construction of the case was not very desirable as the dove tailing was too large, and there was no attempt made to pin the case with wood dowels. Considering the time the battery was on test it may be said that the wood separators are in good condition. From all appearances this battery was made up especially for test purpose and it is presumed that many of the defects would be eliminated by the design of a special cover. The vent plugs are far too small for a battery of this size and are not properly designed to allow free escape of gas and as the holes are small they are apt to become clogged. As there is no provision for a gass chamber the gas cannot condense rapidly enough and forces itself out with the electrolyte. The Negative groups were found to be in such good shape that it was decided to re-assemble them but with a foreign set of Positives and give the cell another test. This was done and after three cycles a reading was taken and the results plotted as shown in the last chart. It was found that the Negatives were still in shape to give continued service. The voltage characteristic of this battery compares favorably with that of the present Cadillac battery. The performance of this battery may be considered remarkable as its life is fully 100% longer than any other battery which we have tested. (Signed) H.{Arthur M. Hanbury - Head Complaints} Schwarze Electrical Engineer. April 23, 1919. | ||