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Chemical equation:
discharge>
2 PbSO4+2 H2O
Acid density:
Acid density (ad) determines: Voltage (rule of thumb: Vo=ad+0,84)
=> state of charge can be determined by the acid density when the battery is in a `rest state`
Capacity
=> maximum acid density is at 1,28 kg/l. Above this value reactions without external circuit will take place.
Gassing:
When the battery is charging, the charge current will lead to a electrolytic breakdown of the water in the electrolyte. => Electrolyte gets lost, the acid concentration increases => During high gassing, some particles will be blasted off the plates. => The particles will settle on the bottom of the battery cell. In extreme cases this can lead to a short circuit between the plates. Result: capacity loss as particles get blasted off the plate maintenance is required e.g. replacing the water in the electroyte Destruction of cells caused by short circuit
Corrosion:
The structure which holds the battery plates together is often made of Lead which has been oxidized on the surface. These `holders will be attacked by the acid and slowly destroyed. The speed at which this destruction takes place is dependant on the acid density and the temperature. Remedy: restriction of charge voltage lowering the nominal acid density (particularily at high ambient temperatures) In solar systems the consequences of corrosion are often overestimated.
Consequences of sulfation:
=> Higher internal resistance caused by smaller reaction surface => Higher acid concentration differential caused by closed pores. This results in: Cells develop a high resistance and stop working.
Most common plate type: Grid plate:(+)(-) The active mass will be pasted into the grid made of pure Lead. Characteristics: Extremely efficient structure, susceptible to corrosion and movement caused by change of mass, high peak current output. Tubular plate:(+) The Lead active mass will be pressed into a porous plastic tube. Characteristics: very resistant to mass movement; high cyle life
Starter battery
Starter batteries are designed to start engines. They predominantly use grid plates. Characteristics short cycle life (about 50 complete cycles) susceptible to sulfation and mass movement high self discharge very cheap To sum up: Starter batteries are unsuitable for solar systems!!! In cases where only starter batteries are available Oversize the Solar generator and the battery to minimise depth of discharge.
Solar batteries
Solar batteries are modified Starter batteries. Ideally the following measures have been implemented: Thicker, more solid plates (-> higher cycle life) Less antimony in the grid (less self discharge) More electrolyte with less acid density (less sulfation, maintenance and corrosion) Cost: about 30-50% more than starter batteries for similar capacity Use: Leisure market and rural electrification Size of the systems 30 - 500Wp
Sealed Batteries
In sealed Batteries the acid will be held in an Absorbed Glas Mat (AGM) or in Gel. The plate mainly consists of grid plates. In rare cases the negative plate in Gel Batteries is a tubular plate. Only limited gassing is allowed in Sealed Batteries. Maintenance is not possible. Small self discharge. relatively deep discharge tolerated.
Sealed Batteries
Difference between AGM and Gel Gel Batteries are resistant to sulphation. => They can be stored for up to 1,5 years without charging minor acid stratification will develop in AGM Batteries => Danger of sulfation exists, limitted warehouse shelf life Cost: about 200-300% more than Starter Batteries Use: Solar systems (Solar gel Batteries are available in sizes from 60Ah and above) High grade solar systems Systemsize: from 5Wp up to about 1000 Wp
Stationary Batteries
Stationary Batteries are designed to have high life time, high cycle life and are reliable in use. Some have tubular plates. In rare cases special high surface area plates are used. Some stationary Batteries are available as Gel batteries. Characteristics: small self discharge high cycle life => Suitable for big solar systems Cost: about 200-300% more than Starter Batteries Use: Big industial solar systems, telecom systems Systemsize 200Wp to 50KWp
Interconnecting Pb-Batteries:
Connecting Batteries together in parallel will cause equalising currents to flow between them. Avoid parallel connections when possible Galvanically isolated Batteries can be connected in parallel using special regulation technology. When stringing many Batteries together in Series the voltage can be monitored and controlled in blocks of 12V or 24V.
LiFePO Batteries
Chemical Equation
Anode (Grafit): Li1C6
discharge
C6 + Li+ + e-
charge
LiFePO4
LiFePO Batteries
Structure of LiFePO Battery