The Construction Of The Cells

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 8 other vehicles, including the 2013 Volvo C70, 2012 Volvo C70, 2011 Volvo C70, 2010 Volvo C70, and 2009 Volvo C70. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Fig 1: Construction Of The Cells

Courtesy of VOLVO CARS CORPORATION

Positive plate in separator
Negative plate
Positive and negative plate assembly
Connection
Plate assembly for one cell.

A cells consists of several positive and negative plates. These plates are welded together in groups by plate straps. These plates function as electrodes in the cell. Each positive cell is in a type of isolator, known as a separator. The task of the separator is to separate the positive and negative plates and to catch any particles that have detached from the positive plate, thus preventing short-circuits. Each cell contains a combination of such plates connected in series. The separators consist of an acid resistant plastic.

For AGM-batteries, the pocket separator consists of a thin fibre-glass mat (AGM = Absorbed Glass Mat).

Each plate is made up of a grille with an external layer of active material. This active material contributes to the electrochemical process during charging and discharging. The grille is constructed of a type of a lead alloy which functions as a conductor for the active material and also carries the current. The positive plate has an external layer of lead dioxide, while the external layer on the negative plate consists of porous lead.

The cell is surrounded by electrolyte. This is the final component of a complete cell. Each cell can generate 2.12 V (full charge at 25°C (77°F)).

For AGM-batteries, each cell can generate 2.155 V.