EXIDE
SELECT ORBITAL BREAKS CAR-BATTERY RULES SUPERIOR POWER, VIRTUALLY
ACID FREE AND LEAKPROOF
Reading,
PA - Exide Corporation, the world's largest producer of lead-acid
batteries, has introduced the Aspiral-wound Exide Orbital Select,
the first significant car (or SLI - starting, lighting, ignition)
battery breakthrough since the maintenance-free model 30 years
ago.
Featuring
highly efficient construction of tightly wound plates, an internal
design helping to provide power unparalleled in conventional automotive
batteries, along with gas recombinant technology to eliminate
free-liquid battery acid, the Exide Orbital Select ushers in a
new era in automotive battery technology.
Increased
cranking power when it counts (during the initial starting process),
the ability to retain a charge through extended periods of non
use, virtually complete resistance to vibration and (normal) under-hood
physical abuse as well as greater safety through the elimination
of free-liquid battery acid and serious gassing are features of
this new battery which resembles a black six-pack of beer.
In
addition, the Orbital's technology means the battery can be mounted
in any position and in any location (even upside down in the passenger
compartment) without leaking or gassing, giving auto manufacturers
a great deal of flexibility in future designs.
"This
is a battery which can be physically abused, left unused for months,
even punctured and still start your vehicle," explained Robert
A. Lutz, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. "Even
the best conventional batteries will fail when under these conditions."
The
Exide Orbital Select even breaks the rules on battery retailing.
Because there is no danger of leaking acid or explosive gassing,
unlike conventional automotive batteries, the Orbital can be shipped
via conventional means, like FedEx, United Parcel Service and
the mail, so it can be sold via the Internet or telemarketing.
"And
since the assurance your car or truck will start WHENEVER and
WHEREVER you need it, the Exide Select Orbital is the ultimate
lead-acid SLI battery," added Lutz.
How
did Exide eliminate liquid battery acid?
In
a conventional battery, the lead elements are totally submerged
in the electrolyte (acid). Although many batteries today are maintenance-free
and do not require checking and refilling of the acid, they must
be mounted upright in order to allow the gas to be vented through
a series of holes. Improper mounting (or handling of a conventional
battery) could result in acid leaking from these vent holes.
In
the event of severe overcharge, this new battery still needs to
vent gas, but its valve-regulated-lead-acid construction features
six "burp" valves which allow the gas to escape without compromising
its sealed quality. And there is no free-liquid electrolyte to
escape through these burp valves.
The
Exide Select orbital uses AGM (absorbed-glass matte) separators,
which, along with the tightly-wound lead elements, have the acid
(in a paste-like form) bound within their structure, eliminating
the need for free electrolyte.
The
separators work similar to the principle by which paper towels
absorb water, with the acid trapped both on the surface and in
the spaces between the fibers.
Why
is the construction of the Exide Select orbital so strong?
The
secret of the increased durability and strength lies in its tightly
wound plates and compressed separators.
Each of the six lead elements--more than a meter long when laid
out--is pressure-packed and rolled into its own separator to resist
vibration damage. This construction also minimizes conventional
plate shedding and positive grid disintegration, the number-one
reason for battery failure.
"The
spiral-wound elements look like a jelly roll," said Lutz.
"And each goes into its own cylindrical compartment which gives
the orbital its six-pack look.
How
about performance?
Perhaps
the best news the Exide Select orbital brings to the market is,
besides safety and durability, this new battery's new construction
enables it to outperform conventional units. The combination of
efficient internal connections, and the spacing of the new separators,
along with the elimination of the highly-resistant electrolyte,
gives the new battery less post-to-post resistance. This provides
one to one-and-a-half more volts of additional cranking power,
a more than 15-percent improvement.
According
to Michael Greenlee, Exide's engineering vice president, the measure
of this ability, like most features of the orbital, is unique.
"Old
concepts like conventional CCA (cold-cranking amps) do not fit
recombinant batteries like the orbital," he explained. "The orbital
is designed for peak cranking power during the initial three to
five seconds of use, when it is most needed. During this period,
the orbital puts out the equivalent of a 1,000 CCA conventional
lead-acid unit. "And it can do this even when left unused for
weeks or months, like someone might do with a vehicle at a summer
home or a "weekend special" vehicle like a classic sports car."
The
orbital's lower resistance also means faster charging time, and
the construction prevents stratifying, or uneven wear of the conventional
plates as the battery discharges.
High
underhood temperatures, a traditional enemy of a car battery,
has its effect minimized by the orbital as its sealed construction
eliminates electrolyte loss due to evaporation while its element
design minimizes the effects on grids and active material.
The
Exide Select orbital joins the other premium products in the company's
Select line, including batteries, starters and accessories.
Exide Corporation, with annual revenues of more than $2.4 billion
and operations in 19 countries, is a world leader in the manufacture
of automotive and industrial lead acid batteries. In fact, the
Exide Select orbital is produced in the company's Malpica factory
in Spain.
EXIDE
SELECT ORBITAL AUTOMOTIVE BATTERY
Weight:
41 lbs.
Dimensions: 10-1/8" - L; 7" - W; 8-1/2" H (to top of posts)
Cold Cranking Amps: 890 CCA at 32 degrees F; 700 CCA @ 0 degrees
F.
Group sizes available: 34, 34R, 78, 78DT
Suggested retail price: $125.00
For
further information, contact: EXIDE
(800) START-IT www.exideworld.com
In
addition, the Orbital's technology means the battery can be mounted
in any position and in any location (even upside down in the passenger
compartment) without leaking or gassing, giving auto manufacturers
a great deal of flexibility in future designs.