I must admit that a movie scene came up in my head when I read "Lead-Acid cartel"
Isn't the automotive sector pretty much the only one left where lead-acid type batteries are still widely used?
Yes (and forklifts+cranes, IIRC. Tho, Lithiums have found their way into those 'industrial' applications, too.).
Which, is why there's only a handful of companies DESPERATELY trying to stay relevant.
(last I checked, for most automotive Lead-Acids in US, there were 2 major conglomerates w/ MANY sub-brands/manufactureres)
Also, why a lot of "North American production" Lead Acids are made in MX.
TBQH, given the active hostility towards the long-standing technology they produce... I can't blame 'em.
Esp. since those same companies helped to implement (consumer-facing) safe and sane lead recycling* (a necessity once US's last lead smelter was shuttered)
*Note, that esp. outside of US, regulations and safety of workers in lead reclamation, sucks...
24WHr, so could hold up a computer for a few minutes, but only about 1/20 the capacity of a car battery.
Might be a good alternative for a UPS
Low Capacity, extreme Current, effectively indefinite cycle life, 0 off-gassing. Yeah, could be a good choice there.
Self-Discharge characteristics aside, a great replacement for Stop-Start equipped cars and primary 'SLI' replacement. Also, unlike Lithium batteries, SuperCaps will still operate in cold.
(Potentially, good for DIY Cell Spot Welders, too)
IIRC, I've seen more than a few people take 'motorcycle' batteries, and use them in paralel with supercap 'boosters'.
There's a decade+ of studies on Battery+SuperCap parralel operation. The caps absorb transient loads and starting current, the battery provides the 'bulk' storage.
Given that this *can* greatly reduce the amp load on the battery, the battery can be much smaller/lighter w/ a much longer lifespan (in-use).
