Microporous separators conventionally used in lead-acid accumulators are proposed to substitute rayon-type separator during discharge of zinc anode alkaline accumulators, while the same accumulator is charged mainly through rayon-type separator. Thus the positive qualities of rayon-type and microporous-type separators are amalgamated. This is achieved by new cell design and charging method. Enhanced characteristics are obtained versus the conventional setups. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.