Difference between revisions of "Batteries"

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Batteries store the electrical energy generated by the modules during sunny periods, and deliver it whenever the modules cannot supply power. Normally, batteries are discharged during the night or cloudy weather. But if the load exceeds the array output during the day, the batteries can supplement the energy supplied by the modules.
 
  
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The interval which includes one period of charging and one of discharging is described as a "cycle." Ideally, the batteries are recharged to 100 % capacity during the charging phase of each cycle. The batteries must not be completely discharged during each cycle.
+
= Overview<br/> =
  
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No single component in a photovoltaic system is more affected by the size and usage of the load than storage batteries. If a charge controller is not included in the system, oversized loads or excessive use can drain the batteries' charge to the point where they are damaged and must be replaced. If a controller does not stop overcharging, the batteries can be damaged during times of low or no load usage or long periods of full sun.
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{{#widget:YouTube|id=n0nMC_laVvI|height=300|width=600}}
  
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For these reasons, battery systems must be sized to match the load. In addition, different types and brands of batteries have different "voltage set point windows." This refers to the range of voltage the battery has available between a fully discharged and fully charged state.  
+
Most of the information at this wiki page on batteries for solar systems is taken from: [http://www.polarpowerinc.com/info/operation20/operation25.htm#2.5.1 Polar Power Inc.], except for the paragraphs on nickel iron batteries and recycling and otherwise indicated paragraphs.
  
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As an example, a battery may have a voltage of 14 volts when fully charged, and 11 when fully discharged. Assume the load will not operate properly below 12 volts. Therefore, there will be times when this battery cannot supply enough voltage for the load. The battery's voltage window does not match that of the load.
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<br/>
  
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<br>
+
Batteries store the electrical energy generated by the [[Solar Cells and Modules|modules]] during sunny periods, and deliver it whenever the modules cannot supply power. Normally, batteries are discharged during the night or cloudy weather. But if the [[Lamps and Electric Appliances|load]] exceeds the array output during the day, the batteries can supplement the energy supplied by the modules.
  
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= Performance  =
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The interval which includes one period of charging and one of discharging is described as a "cycle." Ideally, the batteries are recharged to 100&nbsp;% capacity during the charging phase of each cycle. The batteries must not be completely discharged during each cycle.
  
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The performance of storage batteries is described in&nbsp;two ways. These are (1) the amp-hour capacity, and (2) the depth of cycling.  
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No single component in a '''[[Photovoltaic (PV)|photovoltaic]] (PV)''' system is more affected by the size and usage of the load than storage batteries. If a [[Charge Controllers|charge controller]] is not included in the system, oversized loads or excessive use can drain the batteries' charge to the point where they are damaged and must be replaced. If a controller does not stop overcharging, the batteries can be damaged during times of low or no load usage or long periods of full sun.
  
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<br>
+
For these reasons, battery systems must be sized to match the load. In addition, different types and brands of batteries have different "voltage set point windows." This refers to the range of voltage the battery has available between a fully discharged and fully charged state.
  
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== Amp-hour Capacity  ==
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As an example, a battery may have a voltage of 14 volts when fully charged, and 11 when fully discharged. Assume the load will not operate properly below 12 volts. Therefore, there will be times when this battery cannot supply enough voltage for the load. The battery's voltage window does not match that of the load.
  
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The first method, the number of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ampere-hour amp-hours] a battery can deliver, is simply the number of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ampere amps] of current it can discharge, multiplied by the number of hours it can deliver that current.
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<br/>
  
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System designers use amp-hour specifications to determine how long the system will operate without any significant amount of sunlight to recharge the batteries. This measure of "days of autonomy" is an important part of design procedures.
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<br/>
  
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Theoretically, a 200 amp-hour battery should be able to deliver either 200 amps for one hour, 50 amps for 4 hours, 4 amps for 50 hours, or one amp for 200 hours.
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= Selection of Battery Technology<br/> =
  
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This is not really the case, since some batteries, such as automotive ones, are designed for short periods of rapid discharge without damage. However, they are not designed for long time periods of low discharge. This is why automotive batteries are not appropriate for, and should not be used in, photovoltaic systems.  
+
The selection of the appropriate battery technology according to the requirements is a crucial part of the design of a system. <br/>
  
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Other types of batteries are designed for very low rates of discharge over long periods of time. These are appropriate for photovoltaic applications. The different types are described later.
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Basic technical selection criteria are:<br/>
  
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<br>
+
*voltage<br/>
 +
*capacity (amp-hour)
 +
*energy density (Wh/kg or Wh/dm³)
 +
*weight
 +
*charge and discharge parameters (number of cycles, depth of discharge)<br/>
 +
*lifetime in years<br/>
 +
*maintenance requirement<br/>
  
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=== Charge and Discharge Rates  ===
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In addition, other requirement should be considered, which may differ by project region.<br/>
  
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If the battery is charged or discharged at a different rate than specified, the available amp-hour capacity will increase or decrease. Generally, if the battery is discharged at a slower rate, its capacity will probably be slightly higher. More rapid rates will generally reduce the available capacity.  
+
Below a selection of additional considerations can be found. A weighting, as mentioned, depends on the installed system type and various specific factor of the project country (e.g. knowledge of technology, maintenance structure,...).<br/>
  
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The rate of charge or discharge is defined as the total capacity divided by some number. For example, a discharge rate of C/20 means the battery is being discharged at a current equal to 1/20<sup>th</sup> of its total capacity. In the case of a 400 amp-hour battery, this would mean a discharge rate of 20 amps.
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<br/>
  
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<br>
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<u>Storage Technology Requirements<ref>Developed during Renewable Energy Group Meeting (RE GM) of GIZ EnDev ET, June 2017</ref>:</u><br/>
  
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=== Temperature  ===
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*Availability&nbsp;<br/>
 +
*Local Knowledge of Technique&nbsp;<br/>
 +
*Complexity&nbsp;
 +
*Durability&nbsp;<br/>
 +
*Scalability
 +
*Disposal, recyclability, other environmental aspects<br/>
 +
*Safety, health impacts
 +
*Costs
 +
*Vulnerability<br/>
 +
*Establishment
 +
*Manufacturability
 +
*Maintenance<br/>
  
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Another factor influencing amp-hour capacity is the temperature of the battery and its surroundings. Batteries are rated for performance at 80°F (26.7°C). Lower temperatures reduce amp-hour capacity significantly. Higher temperatures result in a slightly higher capacity, but this will increase water loss and decrease the number of cycles in the battery life.
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<br/>A radar-diagram (or spider web) can help to visualise these specific requirements.<br/>
  
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<br>
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<br/>
  
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== Depth of Discharge (DoD)  ==
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= Performance<br/> =
  
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The second description of performance is depth of discharge. This describes how much of the total amp-hour capacity of the battery is used during a charge-recharge cycle.
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<u>The performance of storage batteries is described in two ways:</u><br/>
  
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As an example, "shallow cycle" batteries are designed to discharge from 10% to 25% of their total amp-hour capacity during each cycle. In contrast, most "deep cycle" batteries designed for photovoltaic applications are designed to discharge up to 80% of their capacity without damage. Manufacturers of deep cycle "Ni cad" batteries claim their product can be totally discharged without damage.
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#amp-hour capacity
 +
#depth of cycling
  
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Even deep cycle batteries are affected by the depth of discharge. The deeper the discharge, the smaller the number of charging cycles the battery will last. They are also affected by the rate of discharge and their temperature.
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<br/>
  
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<br>
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== Amp-hour Capacity<br/> ==
 +
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
 +
The first method, the number of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ampere-hour amp-hours] a battery can deliver, is simply the number of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ampere amps] of current it can discharge, multiplied by the number of hours it can deliver that current.
  
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= Different Battery Types  =
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System designers use amp-hour specifications to determine how long the system will operate without any significant amount of sunlight to recharge the batteries. This measure of "days of autonomy" is an important part of design procedures.
  
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== Lead Acid Batteries  ==
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Theoretically, a 200 amp-hour battery should be able to deliver either 200 amps for one hour, 50 amps for 4 hours, 4 amps for 50 hours, or one amp for 200 hours.
  
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=== SLI Batteries  ===
+
This is not really the case, since some batteries, such as automotive ones, are designed for short periods of rapid discharge without damage. However, they are not designed for long time periods of low discharge. This is why automotive batteries are not appropriate for, and should not be used in, photovoltaic systems.
  
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Starting, lighting and ignition (SLI) batteries are a type of lead-acid battery designed primarily for shallow cycle service, most often used to power automobile starters. These batteries have a number of thin positive and negative plates per cell, designed to increase the total plate active surface area. The large number of plates per cell allows the battery to deliver high discharge currents for short periods. While they are not designed for long life under deep cycle service, SLI batteries are sometimes used for PV systems in developing countries where they are the only type of battery locally manufactured. Although not recommended for most PV applications, SLI batteries may provide up to two years of useful service in small stand-alone PV systems where the average daily depth of discharge is limited to 10-20%, and the maximum allowable depth of discharge is limited to 40-60%.  
+
Other types of batteries are designed for very low rates of discharge over long periods of time. These are appropriate for photovoltaic applications. The different types are described later.
 +
<br/></div>
 +
=== Charge and Discharge Rates ===
 +
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
 +
If the battery is charged or discharged at a different rate than specified( Different current), the available amp-hour capacity will increase or decrease. Generally, if the battery is discharged at a slower rate, its capacity will probably be slightly higher. More rapid rates will generally reduce the available capacity.
  
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<br>
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The rate of charge or discharge is called C rate.
  
−
Source: [http://www.localenergy.org/pdfs/Document%20Library/Fundamentals%20of%20batteries%20and%20charge%20control.pdf James P. Dunlop, Florida Solar Energy Center for Sandia National Laboratories: Batteries and Charge Control in Stand-Alone Photovoltaic Systems. Fundamentals and Application, 1997].  
+
'''C rate''' is a value that describe the current required to fully discharge the battery (DOD 100%).
  
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<br>
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C rate can be calculated by using the next formula
  
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=== Vented Lead Acid Batteries  ===
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'''C rate =1/(time in hrs to fully discharge the battery).'''
  
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Although automotive batteries are not appropriate for photovoltaic applications, deep cycle lead acid batteries similar to automotive types, are referred to as marine type batteries and are used more often.  
+
<br/>Therefore: From a fully charged battery to a fully discharged one using different C rates means: 1 C =1 hour 2 C=0.5 hour 0.1C=10 hours
  
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These batteries are true deep cycle units. They can be discharged as much as 80%, although less discharge depth will result in more charge cycles and thus a longer battery life.  
+
For Power applications (for example automotive batteries) a big C rate is desired, while for energy applications (SHS) a small C rate is preferred.
 +
<br/></div>
 +
=== Temperature<br/> ===
 +
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
 +
Another factor influencing amp-hour capacity is the temperature of the battery and its surroundings. Batteries are rated for performance at 80°F (26.7°C). Lower temperatures reduce amp-hour capacity significantly. Higher temperatures result in a slightly higher capacity, but this will increase water loss and decrease the number of cycles in the battery life.
 +
<br/></div>
 +
== Depth of Discharge (DOD)<br/> ==
 +
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
 +
The second description of performance is depth of discharge. This describes how much of the total amp-hour capacity of the battery is used during a charge-recharge cycle.
  
−
<br>
+
As an example, "shallow cycle" batteries are designed to discharge from 10% to 25% of their total amp-hour capacity during each cycle. In contrast, most "deep cycle" batteries designed for photovoltaic applications are designed to discharge up to 80% of their capacity without damage. Manufacturers of deep cycle "Ni cad" batteries claim their product can be totally discharged without damage.
  
−
==== Internal Construction  ====
+
Even deep cycle batteries are affected by the depth of discharge. The deeper the discharge, the smaller the number of charging cycles the battery will last. They are also affected by the rate of discharge and their temperature.
  
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These batteries are made up of lead plates in a solution of sulfuric acid. The plates are a lead alloy grid with lead oxide paste dried on the grid. The sulfuric acid and water solution is normally called "electrolyte."
+
For Lead Acid batteries, the manufacturer indicates usually, that a battery can last a certain number of cycles. These cycles usually refer to 100% DOD cycles. In the literature it is common to assume, that a battery,which is discharged only to 30% DOD per cycle, lasts three times the number of cycles indicated by the manufacturer.
 +
<br/></div>
 +
= Different Battery Types<br/> =
  
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The grid material is an alloy of lead because pure lead is a physically weak material. Pure lead would break during transportation and service operations involving moving the battery
+
Batteries can be classified in 2 categories.
  
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The lead alloy is normally lead with 2-6% antimony. The lower the antimony content, the less resistant the battery will be to charging. Less antimony also reduces the production of hydrogen and oxygen gas during charging, thereby reducing water consumption. On the other hand, more antimony allows deeper discharging without damage to the plates. This in turn means longer battery life. Lead-antimony batteries are deep cycle types.
+
<br/>
  
−
Cadmium and strontium are used in place of antimony to strengthen the grid. These offer the same benefits and drawbacks as antimony, but also reduce the amount of self-discharge the battery has when it is not being used.
+
<br/>
  
−
Calcium also strengthens the grid and reduces self-discharge. However, calcium reduces the recommended discharge depth to no more than 25%. Therefore, lead-calcium batteries are shallow cycle types.  
+
== Primary Batteries<br/> ==
 +
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
 +
Are the non rechargeable batteries, this means the internal reaction occurs only in one direction therefore the battery life time ends after one cycle.The advantage of this type of batteries is that they have a high energy density. Carbon-zinc batteries and alkaline batteries are the most common types.
  
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Both positive and negative plates are immersed into a solution of sulfuric acid and subjected to a "forming" charge by the manufacturer. The direction of this charge causes the paste on the positive grid plates to convert to lead dioxide. The negative plates' paste converts to "sponge" lead. Both materials are highly porous, allowing the sulfuric acid solution to freely penetrate the plates.
+
<br/>
 +
</div>
 +
<br/>
  
−
The plates are alternated in the battery, with separators between each plate. The separators are made of porous material to allow the flow of electrolyte. They are electrically non-conductive. Typical materials include mixtures of silica and plastics or rubber. (Originally, spacers were made of thin sheets of cedar.)
+
== Secondary Batteries<br/> ==
 +
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
 +
Are the rechargeable batteries, they can be used during many cycles because the chemical internal reaction can be reversed by applying to it an electric current. Examples of this type are: <span data-scaytid="1" data-scayt_word="nicd">NiCd</span>, Lead acid, Li-ion.<br/>
  
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Separators are either individual sheets or "envelopes." Envelopes are sleeves, open at the top, which are put on only the positive plates.  
+
<br/>The table Battery Technologies - Overview shows (see below) the currently available technologies on the market. It is largely based on the findings from the latest <span data-scaytid="27" data-scayt_word="intersolar">InterSolar</span> Munich 2017 and the conducted research on producers.&nbsp;The bold marked table content highlights special characteristics. As stated above and&nbsp;shown &nbsp;in subsections below, there are various subcategories for battery technologies, mostly depending of the different material used for the anode or cathode. This is not&nbsp;the case for the 'Lithium-Lead Hybrid'. That particular storage technology applies Li-Ion and Lead-Acid batteries in one system and is making use of both advantages.<br/><br/>
  
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A group of negative and positive plates, with separators, makes up an "element". An element in a container immersed in electrolyte makes up a battery "cell."
+
{| style="width: 960px" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0"
 +
|+ Battery Technologies - Overview
 +
|-
 +
| style="border-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); width: 86px; height: 40px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255)" | &nbsp;<br/>
 +
| style="border-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); width: 35px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255)" | &nbsp;<br/>
 +
| style="border-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); width: 115px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255)" | '''Lead-Acid'''<br/>
 +
| style="border-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); width: 103px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255)" | '''Nickel Iron'''
 +
| style="border-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); width: 85px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255)" | '''Nickel Metal Hybrid'''
 +
| style="border-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); width: 86px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255)" | '''Lithium Ion'''
 +
| style="border-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); width: 81px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255)" | '''Sodium <span data-scaytid="3" data-scayt_word="sulfat">Sulfat</span>'''
 +
| style="border-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); width: 89px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255)" | '''Vanadium <span data-scaytid="4" data-scayt_word="redox-flow">Redox-Flow</span>'''
 +
| style="border-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); width: 93px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255)" | '''Sodium Ion'''
 +
| style="border-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); width: 99px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255)" | '''Zinc-Air'''
 +
| style="border-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); width: 84px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255)" | '''Lithium-Lead Hybrid'''
 +
|-
 +
| style="width: 122px; height: 20px" colspan="2" | '''Abbreviation'''<br/>
 +
| style="width: 115px" | <span data-scaytid="5" data-scayt_word="pb">Pb</span>
 +
| NiFe
 +
| style="width: 85px" | <span data-scaytid="6" data-scayt_word="nimh">NiMH</span>
 +
| style="width: 86px" | Li-Ion
 +
| style="width: 81px" | <span data-scaytid="7" data-scayt_word="nas">NaS</span>/ <span data-scaytid="8" data-scayt_word="nanicl">NaNiCl</span>
 +
| style="width: 89px" | -
 +
| style="width: 93px" | <span data-scaytid="9" data-scayt_word="na-ion">Na-Ion</span>
 +
| style="width: 99px" | -
 +
| style="width: 84px" | Li-Lead-Hybrid
 +
|-
 +
| style="width: 122px; height: 41px" colspan="2" | '''Energy Density '''''[<span data-scaytid="10" data-scayt_word="wh">Wh</span>/kg]''<br/>
 +
| style="width: 115px; text-align: center" | '''30 - 45'''<br/>
 +
| style="text-align: center" | '''19-25'''
 +
| style="text-align: center; width: 85px" | '''40 -80'''
 +
| style="text-align: center; width: 86px" | '''60 -200'''
 +
| style="text-align: center; width: 81px" | '''100 -250'''
 +
| style="text-align: center; width: 89px" | '''15 - 50'''
 +
| style="text-align: center; width: 93px" | '''20 -30'''
 +
| style="text-align: center; width: 99px" | '''60 -200'''
 +
| style="text-align: center; width: 84px" | '''50-250'''
 +
|-
 +
| style="width: 122px; height: 41px" colspan="2" | '''Nominal Voltage'''<br/>
 +
| style="width: 115px; text-align: center" | 2
 +
| style="text-align: center" | 1.2
 +
| style="text-align: center; width: 85px" | 1.2<br/>
 +
| style="text-align: center; width: 86px" | 2 -3.7
 +
| style="text-align: center; width: 81px" | 2.1/2.6
 +
| style="text-align: center; width: 89px" | 1.6
 +
| style="text-align: center; width: 93px" | 1.8
 +
| style="text-align: center; width: 99px" | 1.4 (?)
 +
| style="width: 84px; text-align: center" | 2/2-3.7<br/>(system regulated)
 +
|-
 +
| style="width: 122px; height: 41px" colspan="2" | '''Cycle Life Time'''<br/>
 +
| style="width: 115px; text-align: center" | '''50 - 2,000'''
 +
| style="text-align: center" | '''3,000 - 15,000'''
 +
| style="text-align: center; width: 85px" | 500 - 3,000<br/>
 +
| style="text-align: center; width: 86px" | '''1,000 - 10,000'''
 +
| style="text-align: center; width: 81px" | 2,500 - 4,500
 +
| style="text-align: center; width: 89px" | '''> 10,000'''
 +
| style="text-align: center; width: 93px" | > 3,000
 +
| style="text-align: center; width: 99px" | 1,000 - 5,000
 +
| style="width: 84px; text-align: center" | ''see''<br/>Lead-Acid/Li-Ion
 +
|-
 +
| style="width: 122px; height: 41px" colspan="2" | '''Calendar Life Time '''''[a]''<br/>
 +
| style="width: 115px; text-align: center" | 3 - 15
 +
| style="text-align: center" | '''20-40'''
 +
| style="text-align: center; width: 85px" | 5 -10
 +
| style="text-align: center; width: 86px" | 5 -20
 +
| style="text-align: center; width: 81px" | 10 -15
 +
| style="text-align: center; width: 89px" | 5-20
 +
| style="text-align: center; width: 93px" | 5 -15
 +
| style="text-align: center; width: 99px" | 10-15
 +
| style="text-align: center; width: 84px" | >10
 +
|-
 +
| style="width: 122px; height: 41px" colspan="2" | '''Efficiency'''''[%]''<br/>
 +
| style="width: 115px; text-align: center" | '''75 - 90'''
 +
| style="text-align: center" | > 65
 +
| style="text-align: center; width: 85px" | 65 - 75
 +
| style="text-align: center; width: 86px" | '''90 -95'''
 +
| style="text-align: center; width: 81px" | 70 -85
 +
| style="text-align: center; width: 89px" | 60 - 75
 +
| style="text-align: center; width: 93px" | 80 - 90
 +
| style="text-align: center; width: 99px" | 50 -70&nbsp;
 +
| style="text-align: center; width: 84px" | >85
 +
|-
 +
| style="width: 122px; height: 41px" colspan="2" | '''Temperature Range '''''[°C]''<br/>
 +
| style="width: 115px; text-align: center" | -20 - 50
 +
| style="text-align: center" | -40 - 60
 +
| style="text-align: center; width: 85px" | -20 - 50
 +
| style="text-align: center; width: 86px" | -20 - 50
 +
| style="text-align: center; width: 81px" | '''270 -350'''
 +
| style="text-align: center; width: 89px" | '''0 -50'''
 +
| style="text-align: center; width: 93px" | -10 - 50
 +
| style="text-align: center; width: 99px" | '''0 - 50'''
 +
| style="text-align: center; width: 84px" | '''0 - 50'''
 +
|-
 +
| style="width: 122px; height: 41px" colspan="2" | '''Cost '''''[€/kWh]''<br/>
 +
| style="width: 115px; text-align: center" | '''50 - 250'''
 +
| style="text-align: center" | '''350 - 550'''
 +
| style="text-align: center; width: 85px" | '''300 - 600'''
 +
| style="text-align: center; width: 86px" | '''200 - 1,500'''
 +
| style="text-align: center; width: 81px" | '''150 - 250'''
 +
| style="text-align: center; width: 89px" | '''350 - 800'''
 +
| style="text-align: center; width: 93px" | '''200 (expected)'''
 +
| style="text-align: center; width: 99px" | '''150 - 500'''
 +
| style="text-align: center; width: 84px" | '''150 - 700'''
 +
|-
 +
| style="width: 122px; height: 41px" colspan="2" | '''Cos''t&nbsp;'''''<i>€/kWh<br/>per year</i><br/>
 +
| style="width: 115px; text-align: center" | '''16.6'''
 +
| style="text-align: center" | '''13.7 - 17.5'''
 +
| style="text-align: center; width: 85px" | 60
 +
| style="text-align: center; width: 86px" | 40 - 75
 +
| style="text-align: center; width: 81px" | '''15.0 - 16.6'''
 +
| style="text-align: center; width: 89px" | 40 - 70
 +
| style="text-align: center; width: 93px" | 13 - 40
 +
| style="text-align: center; width: 99px" | 15 - 33
 +
| style="text-align: center; width: 84px" | 15 - 35
 +
|-
 +
| style="width: 122px; height: 41px" colspan="2" | '''Age of Technology '''''[a]''<br/>
 +
| style="width: 115px; text-align: center" | >100
 +
| style="width: 103px; text-align: center" | >100
 +
| style="width: 85px; text-align: center" | >100
 +
| style="text-align: center; width: 86px" | >20&nbsp;
 +
| style="text-align: center; width: 81px" | >20&nbsp;
 +
| style="text-align: center; width: 89px" | >20&nbsp;
 +
| style="text-align: center; width: 93px" | ca. 10
 +
| style="text-align: center; width: 99px" | ca. 10
 +
| style="text-align: center; width: 84px" | ca. 2
 +
|-
 +
| style="width: 122px; height: 41px" colspan="2" | '''Establishment'''<br/>
 +
| style="width: 115px; text-align: center" | (+++)
 +
| style="text-align: center" | <span style="font-size: 13.6px; text-align: center; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255)">(+++)</span><br/>
 +
| style="text-align: center; width: 85px" | (+++)
 +
| style="text-align: center; width: 86px" | (++)
 +
| style="text-align: center; width: 81px" | (-)
 +
| style="text-align: center; width: 89px" | (-)
 +
| style="text-align: center; width: 93px" | (---)
 +
| style="text-align: center; width: 99px" | (---)
 +
| style="text-align: center; width: 84px" | (-)
 +
|-
 +
| style="height: 245px; width: 86px" rowspan="2" | '''Additional Features'''<br/>
 +
| style="width: 35px" | '''<span data-scaytid="11" data-scayt_word="positiv">Positiv</span>'''
 +
| style="width: 115px" | ▪ high number of manufacturers<br/>▪ simple charging regime
 +
| style="width: 103px" | <span style="font-size: 13.6px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255)"><span style="font-size: 13.6px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255)">▪ High lifetime</span><br/>▪ Can withstand electrical and mechanical abuse</span><br/><span style="font-size: 13.6px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255)"><span style="font-size: 13.6px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255)">▪ no toxic ingredients</span></span><br/>
 +
| style="width: 85px" | ▪ well established for small <span data-scaytid="12" data-scayt_word="appl">appl</span>.<br/>▪ no toxic ingredients
 +
| style="width: 86px" | ▪ less sensitive to low <span data-scaytid="14" data-scayt_word="soc">SOC</span><br/>▪ well established for small <span data-scaytid="13" data-scayt_word="appl">appl</span>.<br/>▪ high cost reduction potential
 +
| style="width: 81px" | ▪ no single cell <span data-scaytid="16" data-scayt_word="supvervision">supvervision</span>
 +
| style="width: 89px" | ▪ energy and power independent <span data-scaytid="17" data-scayt_word="scaleable">scaleable</span><br/>▪ repair by replacement of parts<br/>
 +
| style="width: 93px" | ▪ no toxic ingredients<br/>▪ inexpensive materials<br/>▪ no single cell supervision
 +
| style="width: 99px" | ▪ no toxic ingredients<br/>▪ inexpensive materials
 +
| style="width: 84px" | ▪ extended lifetime (compared to Lead-Acid)<br/>▪ low <span data-scaytid="18" data-scayt_word="soc">SOC</span> prevented<br/>▪ lower costs
 +
|-
 +
| style="width: 35px; height: 117px" | '''<span data-scaytid="20" data-scayt_word="negativ">Negativ</span>'''
 +
| style="width: 115px" | ▪ not <span data-scaytid="21" data-scayt_word="cylcesm">cylcesm</span>, but other ageing effects limit lifetime<br/>▪ low <span data-scaytid="22" data-scayt_word="soc">SOC</span> limits lifetime
 +
| style="width: 103px" | <span style="font-size: 13.6px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255)"><span style="font-size: 13.6px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255)">▪ limited producers available</span><br/><span style="font-size: 13.6px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255)">▪ Large and heavy<br/><span style="font-size: 13.6px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255)">▪ High self discharge rate</span></span></span><br/><br/>
 +
| style="width: 85px" | ▪ limited capacity available<br/>▪ for parallel installation, special supervision
 +
| style="width: 86px" | ▪ limited cell capacity available<br/>▪ single cell supervision
 +
| style="width: 81px" | ▪ extreme temperature sensitive<br/>▪ two <span data-scaytid="24" data-scayt_word="manufcaturers">manufcaturers</span><br/>▪ large scale
 +
| style="width: 89px" | ▪ complex technology
 +
| style="width: 93px" | ▪ very new technology<br/>▪ only one manufacturer with unclear status
 +
| style="width: 99px" | ▪ very new technology<br/>▪ only one manufacturer with unclear status
 +
| style="width: 84px" | ▪ no real hybrid<br/>▪ environmental impact of Lead-Acid<br/>▪ limited availability
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
<ref>Based on: Presentation Fraunhoffer ISE, G.Bopp, InterSolar Munich 2017; Product Research</ref><br/>
 +
 
 +
<br/>
 +
</div>
 +
<br/>
 +
 
 +
<br/>
 +
 
 +
== Lead Acid Batteries ==
 +
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
 +
Lead-acid is the oldest type of rechargeable batteries. The cell voltage is 2.1 V and the main advantage over its predecessor, the Ni-Cd battery, is that it does not present memory effect (loss of capacity due to incomplete recharge cycle).
 +
 
 +
Lead-acid are present a good performance in cycling when the appropriate voltage limits are used. On the one hand over discharging(very low voltage) produces irreversible chemical changes in the battery while on the other hand over charging (high voltage above 2.40V/cell) produces good battery performance but produce corrosion on the positive plate.
 +
 
 +
The aging process that shortens the lead acid battery life time are: Sulfatation, Grid corrosion of the positive electrode, Acid stratification.
  
−
Larger plates, or more of them, will increase the amp-hours the battery can deliver. Thicker plates, or less plate count per cell, will allow a greater number of cycles and longer lifetime from the battery.  
+
''Acid stratification:'' When the liquid electrolyte suffers from stratification, this results in a loss of capacity due to the sedimentation of active material at the bottom. This can be reduced by overcharging the battery in order to improve the internal mixing of the electrolyte.
  
−
Regardless of the size of the plates, a cell will only deliver a nominal 2 volts. Therefore, a battery is typically made up of several cells connected in series, internally or externally, to increase the voltage the entire battery can deliver.  
+
'''Advantages''': Inexpensive (low initial cost, but constant maintenance is required), low self discharge and that is a mature technology.
  
−
This is why a six volt battery has three cells, and 12 volt batteries have six. Some batteries used in photovoltaic systems have only one cell, allowing the user to have any number of volts in the battery system, as long as it is a multiple of two.  
+
'''Limitations''' Sulfatation and acid stratification, Some types requires a constant maintenance (refill with water), low energy density (good performance for stationary applications), lead availability price and environmental impact, and bad performance at low temperature.
  
−
<br>
+
<br/>
  
−
==== Terminals  ====
+
<u>Starting, lighting and ignition<span style="font-weight: bold"></span>SLI) Batteries</u>
  
−
The internal straps which make these internal connections are brought up to the top of the battery and connected to the external terminals. The most familiar terminal is the tapered top type. The taper allows for a wide variety of cable clamp sizes. The positive terminal is slightly larger than the negative one to reduce the chance of accidentally switching the cables. Other terminal types used more often in photovoltaic battery applications include "L" terminals, wing-nut terminals and "universal" terminals. The type of terminal used may depend on the number and type of interconnections between the batteries and the balance of the system.  
+
'''Starting, lighting and ignition (SLI) '''batteries are a type of lead-acid battery designed primarily for shallow cycle service, most often used to power automobile starters. These batteries have a number of thin positive and negative plates per cell, designed to increase the total plate active surface area. The large number of plates per cell allows the battery to deliver high discharge currents for short periods. While they are not designed for long life under deep cycle service, SLI batteries are sometimes used for PV systems in developing countries where they are the only type of battery locally manufactured. Although not recommended for most PV applications, SLI batteries may provide up to two years of useful service in small stand-alone PV systems where the average daily depth of discharge is limited to 10-20%, and the maximum allowable depth of discharge is limited to 40-60%<ref>James P. Dunlop, Florida Solar Energy Center for Sandia National Laboratories: Batteries and Charge Control in Stand-Alone Photovoltaic Systems. Fundamentals and Application, 1997</ref>.
 +
<br/></div>
 +
=== Vented Lead Acid Batteries ===
 +
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
 +
Although automotive batteries are not appropriate for photovoltaic applications, deep cycle lead acid batteries similar to automotive types, are referred to as marine type batteries and are used more often.
  
−
Interconnections can be made with short cables, #2 AWG or larger. The cables end in appropriate terminals. They can also be made with bus bars made specifically for this purpose by the battery manufacturer.  
+
These batteries are true deep cycle units. They can be discharged as much as 80%, although less discharge depth will result in more charge cycles and thus a longer battery life.
 +
<br/></div>
 +
==== Internal Construction ====
 +
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
 +
These batteries are made up of lead plates in a solution of sulfuric acid. The plates are a lead alloy grid with lead oxide paste dried on the grid. The sulfuric acid and water solution is normally called "electrolyte."
  
−
<br>
+
The grid material is an alloy of lead because pure lead is a physically weak material. Pure lead would break during transportation and service operations involving moving the battery
  
−
==== Venting  ====
+
The lead alloy is normally lead with 2-6% antimony. The lower the antimony content, the less resistant the battery will be to charging. Less antimony also reduces the production of hydrogen and oxygen gas during charging, thereby reducing water consumption. On the other hand, more antimony allows deeper discharging without damage to the plates. This in turn means longer battery life. '''Lead-antimony batteries''' are deep cycle types.
  
−
The cells of a vented lead acid battery are vented to allow the hydrogen and oxygen gas to escape during charging, and to provide an opening for adding water lost during gas production. Section 3.1.7 provides more information on battery venting requirements.  
+
'''Cadmium and strontium''' are used in place of antimony to strengthen the grid. These offer the same benefits and drawbacks as antimony, but also reduce the amount of self-discharge the battery has when it is not being used.
  
−
Although open caps are most common, the caps may be a flame arrester type, which prevents a flame from outside the battery from entering the cell.  
+
Calcium also strengthens the grid and reduces self-discharge. However, calcium reduces the recommended discharge depth to no more than 25%. Therefore, '''lead-calcium batteries''' are shallow cycle types.
  
−
"Recombinant" type caps are also available. These contain a catalyst that causes the hydrogen and oxygen gases to recombine into water, significantly reducing the water requirements of the battery.  
+
Both positive and negative plates are immersed into a solution of sulfuric acid and subjected to a "forming" charge by the manufacturer. The direction of this charge causes the paste on the positive grid plates to convert to lead dioxide. The negative plates' paste converts to "sponge" lead. Both materials are highly porous, allowing the sulfuric acid solution to freely penetrate the plates.
−
<pre>WARNING!
 
−
Never smoke or have open flames or sparks around batteries! As the batteries charge, explosive hydrogen gas is produced.
 
−
Always make sure battery banks are adequately vented and that a No Smoking sign is posted in a highly visible place. </pre>
 
−
<br>
 
  
−
==== Sulfation  ====
+
The plates are alternated in the battery, with separators between each plate. The separators are made of porous material to allow the flow of electrolyte. They are electrically non-conductive. Typical materials include mixtures of silica and plastics or rubber. (Originally, spacers were made of thin sheets of cedar.)
  
−
If a lead acid battery is left in a deeply discharged condition for a long period of time, it will become "sulfated". Some of the sulfur in the acid will combine with lead from the plates to form lead sulfate. If the battery is not refilled with water periodically, part of the plates will be exposed to air, and this process will be accelerated.  
+
Separators are either individual sheets or "envelopes." Envelopes are sleeves, open at the top, which are put on only the positive plates.
  
−
Lead sulfate coats the plates so the electrolyte cannot contact it. Even the addition of new water will not reverse the permanent loss in battery capacity.  
+
A group of negative and positive plates, with separators, makes up an "element". An element in a container immersed in electrolyte makes up a battery "cell."
  
−
<br>
+
Larger plates, or more of them, will increase the amp-hours the battery can deliver. Thicker plates, or less plate count per cell, will allow a greater number of cycles and longer lifetime from the battery.
  
−
==== Treeing  ====
+
Regardless of the size of the plates, a cell will only deliver a nominal 2 volts. Therefore, a battery is typically made up of several cells connected in series, internally or externally, to increase the voltage the entire battery can deliver.
  
−
Treeing is a short circuit between positive and negative plates caused by misalignment of the plates and separators. The problem is usually caused by a manufacturing defect, although rough handling is another cause.  
+
This is why a six volt battery has three cells, and 12 volt batteries have six. Some batteries used in photovoltaic systems have only one cell, allowing the user to have any number of volts in the battery system, as long as it is a multiple of two.
 +
<br/></div>
 +
==== Terminals ====
 +
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
 +
The internal straps which make these internal connections are brought up to the top of the battery and connected to the external terminals. The most familiar terminal is the tapered top type. The taper allows for a wide variety of cable clamp sizes. The positive terminal is slightly larger than the negative one to reduce the chance of accidentally switching the cables. Other terminal types used more often in photovoltaic battery applications include "L" terminals, wing-nut terminals and "universal" terminals. The type of terminal used may depend on the number and type of interconnections between the batteries and the balance of the system.
  
−
<br>
+
Interconnections can be made with short cables, #2 AWG or larger. The cables end in appropriate terminals. They can also be made with bus bars made specifically for this purpose by the battery manufacturer.
 +
<br/></div>
 +
==== Venting ====
 +
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
 +
The cells of a vented lead acid battery are vented to allow the hydrogen and oxygen gas to escape during charging, and to provide an opening for adding water lost during gas production.
  
−
==== Mossing  ====
+
Although open caps are most common, the caps may be a flame arrester type, which prevents a flame from outside the battery from entering the cell.
  
−
Mossing is a build-up of material on top of the battery elements. Circulating electrolyte brings small particles to the top of the battery where they are caught on the element tops. Mossing causes shorts between negative and positive plates. Heavy mossing causes a short between the element plates and the plate strap above them.  
+
"Recombinant" type caps are also available. These contain a catalyst that causes the hydrogen and oxygen gases to recombine into water, significantly reducing the water requirements of the battery.
  
−
To avoid mossing, the battery should not be subjected to continuous overcharging or rough handling.
+
<br/>
  
−
<br>
+
{| style="width: 100%" border="1" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1"
 +
|-
 +
| bgcolor="#cccccc" |
 +
WARNING!<br/>Never smoke or have open flames or sparks around batteries! As the batteries charge, explosive hydrogen gas is produced. Always make sure battery banks are adequately vented and that a No Smoking sign is posted in a highly visible place.
  
−
==== State of Charge, Specific Gravity and Voltage ====
+
|}
 +
<br/></div>
 +
==== State of Charge, Specific Gravity and Voltage ====
 +
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
 +
The percentage of acid in the electrolyte is measured by the "specific gravity" of the fluid. This measures how much the electrolyte weighs compared to an equal quantity of water. Specific gravity is measured with a hydrometer.
  
−
The percentage of acid in the electrolyte is measured by the "specific gravity" of the fluid. This measures how much the electrolyte weighs compared to an equal quantity of water. Specific gravity is measured with a hydrometer.  
+
The greater the state of charge, the higher the specific gravity of the electrolyte. The voltage of each cell, and thus the entire battery, is also higher. Measuring specific gravity during the discharge of a battery will be a good indicator of the state of the charge. During the charging of a flooded battery, the specific gravity will lag the state of charge because complete mixing of the electrolyte does not occur until gassing commences near the end of charge. Because of the uncertainty of the level of mixing of the electrolyte, this measurement on a fully charged battery is a better indicator of the health of the cell. Therefore, this should not be considered an absolute measurement for capacity and should be combined with other techniques.
 +
<br/></div>
 +
==== Freezing Point ====
 +
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
 +
Since lead acid batteries use an electrolyte which is partially water, they can freeze. The sulfuric acid in a battery acts as an antifreeze, however. The higher the percentage of acid in the water, the lower the freezing temperature. However, even a fully charged lead acid battery will freeze at some extremely low temperature.
  
−
The greater the state of charge, the higher the specific gravity of the electrolyte. The voltage of each cell, and thus the entire battery, is also higher. Measuring specific gravity during the discharge of a battery will be a good indicator of the state of the charge. During the charging of a flooded battery, the specific gravity will lag the state of charge because complete mixing of the electrolyte does not occur until gassing commences near the end of charge. Because of the uncertainty of the level of mixing of the electrolyte, this measurement on a fully charged battery is a better indicator of the health of the cell. Therefore, this should not be considered an absolute measurement for capacity and should be combined with other techniques.  
+
At a 50% charge, a typical lead acid battery will freeze around -10°F (-23.3°C). Notice that as the state of charge goes down, the specific gravity goes down as well The acid is becoming weaker and weaker, and lighter and lighter, until it is only slightly denser than water.
  
−
<br>
+
{| style="width: 100%" border="1" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1"
 +
|-
 +
| bgcolor="#cccccc" |
 +
NOTE:<br/>The information in Table 2-3 is for deep cycle lead acid batteries. Shallow cycle automotive batteries have slightly different values.
  
−
==== Freezing Point  ====
+
|}
  
−
Since lead acid batteries use an electrolyte which is partially water, they can freeze. The sulfuric acid in a battery acts as an antifreeze, however. The higher the percentage of acid in the water, the lower the freezing temperature. However, even a fully charged lead acid battery will freeze at some extremely low temperature.
+
<br/>
  
−
At a 50% charge, a typical lead acid battery will freeze around -10°F (-23.3°C). Notice that as the state of charge goes down, the specific gravity goes down as well The acid is becoming weaker and weaker, and lighter and lighter, until it is only slightly denser than water.
+
'''TABLE 2-3:<br/>States of Charge, Specific Gravities, Voltages, and Freezing Points for Typical Deep Cycle Lead Acid Batteries:'''
−
<pre>NOTE
 
−
The information in Table 2-3 is for deep cycle lead acid batteries. Shallow cycle automotive batteries have slightly different values.</pre>
 
−
TABLE 2-3:<br>States of Charge, Specific Gravities, Voltages, and Freezing Points for Typical Deep Cycle Lead Acid Batteries  
 
  
−
{| style="width: 774px; height: 145px" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" width="774" border="1"
+
{| style="width: 100%" border="1" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1"
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''State of Charge'''  
+
| style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 204)" | '''State of Charge'''
−
| '''Specific Gravity'''  
+
| style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 204)" | '''Specific Gravity'''
−
| '''Voltage per Cell (volts)'''  
+
| style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 204)" | '''Voltage per Cell (volts)'''
−
| '''Voltage of 12V (6 cell) Battery'''  
+
| style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 204)" | '''Voltage of 12V (6 cell) Battery'''
−
| '''Freezing Point (°F)'''
+
| style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 204)" | '''Freezing Point (°F)'''<br/>
 
|-
 
|-
 
|  
 
|  
Line 253: Line 489:
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
<br>
+
<br/>
 +
 
 +
The charging characteristics of lead acid batteries changes with electrolyte temperature. The colder the battery, the lower the rate of charge it will accept. Higher temperatures allow higher charge rates.
 +
 
 +
If a battery will be used in a climate that will continuously be extremely hot or cold, with minimum temperature swings, it would be wise to adjust the electrolyte specific gravity for the temperature. This will help extend the life and enhance the performance of the battery under these extreme conditions. This adjustment should be done at the battery manufacturer, or through their supervision.
 +
 
 +
For example, a typical lead acid battery which is half charged will only accept two amps at 0°F (-17,8°C). At 80°F (26,7°C), it will accept over 25 amps. This is why most charge controllers equipped with temperature compensation change their voltage settings with temperature. A few measure the battery temperature, and adjust the charging rate (current flow) accordingly.
  
−
The charging characteristics of lead acid batteries changes with electrolyte temperature. The colder the battery, the lower the rate of charge it will accept. Higher temperatures allow higher charge rates.  
+
A final characteristic of lead acid batteries is their fairly high rate of self discharge. When not in service they may loose from 5% per month to 1% per day of their capacity, depending on temperature and cell chemistry. The higher the temperature, the faster the rate of self-discharge.
 +
<br/></div>
 +
=== Sealed Flooded (Wet) Lead Acid Batteries ===
 +
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
 +
As described before, the use of less antimony, or using '''calcium, cadmium, or strontium''' in place of antimony, results in less gassing and lower water consumption. However, these batteries should not be discharged more than 15-25%, or the life of the battery will be dramatically shortened.
  
−
If a battery will be used in a climate that will continuously be extremely hot or cold, with minimum temperature swings, it would be wise to adjust the electrolyte specific gravity for the temperature. This will help extend the life and enhance the performance of the battery under these extreme conditions. This adjustment should be done at the battery manufacturer, or through their supervision.  
+
Self discharge is less of a factor with sealed lead acid batteries due to the fact that these batteries are typically lead-calcium or lead-calcium/antimony hybrids. Self discharge can be minimized by storing batteries in cool areas between 5-15°C.
  
−
For example, a typical lead acid battery which is half charged will only accept two amps at 0°F (-17,8°C). At 80°F (26,7°C), it will accept over 25 amps. This is why most charge controllers equipped with temperature compensation change their voltage settings with temperature. A few measure the battery temperature, and adjust the charging rate (current flow) accordingly.  
+
The rate of water loss may be so low that the vent plugs for each cell can be nearly or completely sealed . In most of these batteries, there is still some production of hydrogen gas. Therefore, a venting system is still required, but it is typically a pressure valve regulated system.
  
−
A final characteristic of lead acid batteries is their fairly high rate of self discharge. When not in service they may loose from 5% per month to 1% per day of their capacity, depending on temperature and cell chemistry. The higher the temperature, the faster the rate of self-discharge.  
+
The temperature range sealed batteries can accommodate is about the same as unsealed batteries. Since the specific gravity cannot be measured with a hydrometer, many sealed batteries have a built in hydrometer.
  
−
<br>
+
A built-in hydrometer is a captive float in the electrolyte. If the specific gravity is high enough, the float comes up against a window at the top of the battery. If the float is visible in the window, the battery is nearly fully charged. In PV systems, sometimes this float gets stuck and the battery should be lightly tapped to ensure free movement of the hydrometer.
  
−
=== Sealed Flooded (Wet) Lead Acid Batteries  ===
+
If the battery is not fully charged, the float will sink, and cannot be seen in the window.
  
−
As described before, the use of less antimony, or using calcium, cadmium, or strontium in place of antimony, results in less gassing and lower water consumption. However, these batteries should not be discharged more than 15-25%, or the life of the battery will be dramatically shortened.  
+
The charging characteristics of sealed lead acid batteries also changes with electrolyte temperature. Charge controllers used on these batteries should include temperature compensation for battery temperatures below 70°F (21,1°C).
 +
<br/></div>
 +
=== Captive Electrolyte Batteries ===
 +
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
 +
Batteries with a gelled (Gel) or '''absorbed glass mat (AGM)''' electrolyte are available completely sealed. These batteries are sometimes referred to as "Valve Regulated Batteries." Some of the newer batteries have catalytic recombiners internal to their battery to aid in the reduction of water loss. All sealed batteries will vent if they are overcharged to the point of excessive gassing to prevent extreme pressures from building up in the battery case. This electrolyte is then lost forever and the life of the battery may be shortened. This problem can be reduced or eliminated by properly charging the battery as recommended by the manufacturer and by using temperature compensation in the charge controller.
  
−
Self discharge is less of a factor with sealed lead acid batteries due to the fact that these batteries are typically lead-calcium or lead-calcium/antimony hybrids. Self discharge can be minimized by storing batteries in cool areas between 5-15°C.  
+
This type of battery is generally a '''lead calcium''' or '''lead calcium/antimoninal hybrid'''. Because the electrolyte is captive, there is no need to charge the battery high enough to gas the electrolyte. The battery can be used in any position, even upside down. Since the electrolyte does not flow away from the plates, the battery still delivers full capacity. The manufacturer should be consulted for the proper regulation voltage for their specific battery. These batteries are typically shallow cycle batteries. Discharging these batteries greater than 20% will significantly reduce the lifetime of the battery.
  
−
The rate of water loss may be so low that the vent plugs for each cell can be nearly or completely sealed . In most of these batteries, there is still some production of hydrogen gas. Therefore, a venting system is still required, but it is typically a pressure valve regulated system.  
+
These batteries have shown some temperature limitations, typically ranges in excess of -20 to +50 degrees C should be avoided. Self discharge rates are very low, comparable to lead calcium batteries or better.
 +
<br/></div>
 +
== Nickel Cadmium (Ni Cad) Batteries ==
 +
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
 +
Ni Cad batteries have a physical structure similar to lead acid batteries. Instead of lead plates, they use nickel hydroxide for the positive plates and cadmium oxide for the negative plates. The electrolyte is potassium hydroxide.
  
−
The temperature range sealed batteries can accommodate is about the same as unsealed batteries. Since the specific gravity cannot be measured with a hydrometer, many sealed batteries have a built in hydrometer.  
+
The cell voltage of a typical Ni Cad battery is 1.2 volts, rather than the two volts per cell of a lead battery.
  
−
A built-in hydrometer is a captive float in the electrolyte. If the specific gravity is high enough, the float comes up against a window at the top of the battery. If the float is visible in the window, the battery is nearly fully charged. In PV systems, sometimes this float gets stuck and the battery should be lightly tapped to ensure free movement of the hydrometer.  
+
Ni Cad batteries can survive freezing and thawing without any effect on performance. High temperatures have less of an effect than they have on lead acid batteries. Self-discharge rates range from 3-6% per month.
  
−
If the battery is not fully charged, the float will sink, and cannot be seen in the window.  
+
Ni Cad batteries are less affected by overcharging. They can be totally discharged without damage. They are not subject to sulfation. Their ability to accept charging is independent of temperature.
  
−
The charging characteristics of sealed lead acid batteries also changes with electrolyte temperature. Charge controllers used on these batteries should include temperature compensation for battery temperatures below 70°F (21,1°C).  
+
Although the initial cost of Ni Cad batteries is higher than lead acid types, their lower maintenance costs and longer lives make them a logical choice for many photovoltaic installations. This is particularly true if the system is in a remote or dangerous location.
  
−
<br>
+
Since battery maintenance is a major part of all photovoltaic system maintenance, significant reductions in service time and costs can be achieved.
  
−
=== Captive Electrolyte Batteries  ===
+
However, Ni Cad batteries cannot be tested as accurately as a "wet" lead-acid battery. If state of charge monitoring is necessary, Ni Cad may not be the best choice.
  
−
Batteries with a gelled (Gel) or absorbed glass mat (AGM) electrolyte are available completely sealed. These batteries are sometimes referred to as "Valve Regulated Batteries." Some of the newer batteries have catalytic recombiners internal to their battery to aid in the reduction of water loss. All sealed batteries will vent if they are overcharged to the point of excessive gassing to prevent extreme pressures from building up in the battery case. This electrolyte is then lost forever and the life of the battery may be shortened. This problem can be reduced or eliminated by properly charging the battery as recommended by the manufacturer and by using temperature compensation in the charge controller.  
+
Cadmium is considered as a hazardous material. It is in general considered more poisoned than Lead and there exist less recycling possibilities for Ni Cad batteries, than for Lead Acid batteries.
 +
<br/></div>
 +
<br/>
  
−
This type of battery is generally a lead calcium or lead calcium/antimoninal hybrid. Because the electrolyte is captive, there is no need to charge the battery high enough to gas the electrolyte. The battery can be used in any position, even upside down. Since the electrolyte does not flow away from the plates, the battery still delivers full capacity. The manufacturer should be consulted for the proper regulation voltage for their specific battery. These batteries are typically shallow cycle batteries. Discharging these batteries greater than 20% will significantly reduce the lifetime of the battery.
+
<br/>
  
−
These batteries have shown some temperature limitations, typically ranges in excess of -20 to +50 degrees C should be avoided. Self discharge rates are very low, comparable to lead calcium batteries or better.
+
<br/>
  
−
<br>
+
== Nickel Iron Batteries ==
 +
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
 +
The '''nickel iron battery (NiFe battery)''' is a storage battery having a nickel (III) oxide-hydroxide cathode and an iron anode, with an electrolyte of potassium hydroxide (or sometimes a mixture of <span style="font-size: 13.6px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255)">potassium hydroxide</span> and lithium <span style="font-size: 13.6px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255)">hydroxide</span>). The active materials are held in nickel-plated steel tubes or perforated pockets. The nominal cell voltage is 1.2V. It is a low maintenance and very robust battery which is tolerant of electrical and mechanical abuse, (over charge, over discharge, short-circuiting, and thermal shocks) and can have very long life, even if so treated. It is often used in backup situations and increasingly in off-grid solutions where it can be continuously used and can last for more than 20 years.<sup>1</sup> It also has a high temperature resistance with an operating window between -40 and +60 degree Celsius. One other advantage of NiFe batteries is that they can easily be reconditioned. If at any point they are not holding enough charge then it is possible to recondition their capacity by increaseing the Equalise to 1.75V per cell and equalise for 24 hours (Should be performed every 5-10 years).<sup>2</sup><sup><span style="font-size: 11.3333px"></span></sup><span style="font-size: 13.6px"></span>
  
−
== Nickel Cadmium (Ni Cad) Batteries  ==
+
One major difference between nickel iron and Ni Cad batteries is discharge rate. Nickel iron batteries cannot deliver the extremely high currents that Ni Cad batteries can, so if heavy loads are used, a larger capacity battery bank has to be employed. On the other side NiFe batteries do not suffer from the memory efferct, which is affecting the Ni Cad batteries.
  
−
Ni Cad batteries have a physical structure similar to lead acid batteries. Instead of lead plates, they use nickel hydroxide for the positive plates and cadmium oxide for the negative plates. The electrolyte is potassium hydroxide.  
+
<span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255)">THe downside is that NiFe battiers have a low specific energy (19-25Wh/kg and therefore large and heavy), poor charge retention (self discarge rate is 20-30% per month), and high cost of manufacture. </span>Therefore the use of nickel iron batteries is not very common. They are hardly available and expensive compared to other batteries, but with low cost per kWh condisdering the cycles and long lifetime.<sup>3</sup>
  
−
The cell voltage of a typical Ni Cad battery is 1.2 volts, rather than the two volts per cell of a lead battery.  
+
One of the most interesting aspects of nickel iron batteries is that they are made without toxic lead or cadmium, which solves a future disposal problem.
  
−
Ni Cad batteries can survive freezing and thawing without any effect on performance. High temperatures have less of an effect than they have on lead acid batteries. Self-discharge rates range from 3-6% per month.
+
<br/>
  
−
Ni Cad batteries are less affected by overcharging. They can be totally discharged without damage. They are not subject to sulfation. Their ability to accept charging is independent of temperature.
+
References:
  
−
Although the initial cost of Ni Cad batteries is higher than lead acid types, their lower maintenance costs and longer lives make them a logical choice for many photovoltaic installations. This is particularly true if the system is in a remote or dangerous location.  
+
<sup>1</sup>&nbsp;[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nickel–iron_battery&nbsp https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nickel–iron_battery&nbsp];
  
−
Since battery maintenance is a major part of all photovoltaic system maintenance, significant reductions in service time and costs can be achieved.  
+
<sup><span style="font-size: 11.3333px">2</span></sup>&nbsp;[http://www.bimblesolar.com/batteries/nifebatteries http://www.bimblesolar.com/batteries/nifebatteries]<br/>
  
−
However, Ni Cad batteries cannot be tested as accurately as a "wet" lead-acid battery. If state of charge monitoring is necessary, Ni Cad may not be the best choice.  
+
<sup><span style="font-size: 11.3333px">3</span></sup>&nbsp;[http://www.bimblesolar.com/battery-comparison http://www.bimblesolar.com/battery-comparison]<br/>
 +
</div>
 +
<br/>
  
−
<br>
+
== Lithium Ion Batteries<br/> ==
 +
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
 +
Can be found in cell phones and consumer electrics. Is a secondary battery with a nominal voltage of an individual Li-ion cell 3.2V and 3.8V.The main advantages of Li-ion batteries are:&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/u&gt;&lt;/p&gt; <span style="letter-spacing: 0px">1. High energy density.</span>
  
−
<br>
+
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px">2. No memory effect</span>
  
−
Source for information at this wiki page up to this point&nbsp;unless otherwise indicated: [http://www.polarpowerinc.com/info/operation20/operation25.htm#2.5.1 Polar Power Inc.]
+
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px">3. High efficiency (near 100%)</span>
  
−
<br>
+
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px">4. Long cycle life (>3,000 cycles at 80% DOD)</span>
  
−
== Nickel Iron Batteries  ==
+
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px">5. Maintenance-free</span>
  
−
The nickel iron battery (NiFe battery) is a storage battery having a nickel(III) oxide-hydroxide cathode and an iron anode, with an electrolyte of potassium hydroxide. The active materials are held in nickel-plated steel tubes or perforated pockets. The nominal cell voltage is 1.2V. It is a very robust battery which is tolerant of abuse, (overcharge, overdischarge, short-circuiting and thermal shock) and can have very long life even if so treated. It is often used in backup situations where it can be continuously charged and can last for more than 20 years.
+
<br/>
  
−
One major difference between nickel iron and Ni Cad batteries is discharge rate. Nickel iron batteries cannot deliver the extremely high currents that Ni Cad batteries can, so if heavy loads are used, a larger capacity battery bank has to be empolyed.  
+
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px">The main disadvantage is the high cost. &lt;/div&gt;</span>
  
−
One of the most interesting aspects of nickel iron batteries is that they are made withour toxic lead or cadmium, which solves a future disposal problem.
+
<br/>
  
−
<br>
+
<br/>
  
−
= Chosing a battery for a SHS  =
+
== <span style="letter-spacing: 0px">Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery</span><br/> ==
  
−
Each battery type has design and performance features suited for particular applications. Again, no one type of battery is ideal for a PV system applications. The designer must consider the advantages and disadvantages of different batteries with respect to the requirements of a particular application. Some of the considerations include lifetime, deep cycle performance, tolerance to high temperatures and overcharge, maintenance and many others. The following table summarizes some of the key characteristics of the different battery types.  
+
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px">Lithium Iron Phosphate battery (LiFePO4) or LFP is a specific type of Lithium Ion batteries with a cathode at lower voltage, and a nominal voltage at 3.2 Volt when it is 3.6V/3.7V for other lithium ion batteries. This caracteristic makes the energy and power density performances are lower, and it is not a relevent technologies for portable or EV applications. However this technology found its market with electrical buses and on-grid or off-grid solar applicaitons where weight and volume are less important. The quite good cycling performance from 3000 to 5000 80% DOD makes is the main advantage, when electronic mandatory BMS and operation at negative temperature are the weaknesses. Cost positionning must be looked carefully compare to some lead batteries and the knowledge of effective operation conditions is a must to state about the choice.</span><br/><br />
 +
</div>
 +
= <span style="letter-spacing: 0px">Chosing a Battery for a Solar Home System (SHS)</span><br/> =
 +
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
 +
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px">Each battery type has design and performance features suited for particular applications. Again, no one type of battery is ideal for Photovoltaic (PV) system applications. The designer must consider the advantages and disadvantages of different batteries with respect to the requirements of a particular application. Some of the considerations include lifetime, deep cycle performance, tolerance to high temperatures and overcharge, maintenance and many others. The following table summarizes some of the key characteristics of the different battery types.<ref>James P. Dunlop, Florida Solar Energy Center for Sandia National Laboratories: Batteries and Charge Control in Stand-Alone Photovoltaic Systems. Fundamentals and Application, 1997</ref></span>
  
−
<br>
+
<br/>
  
−
{| style="width: 684px; height: 291px" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" width="684" border="1"
+
{| style="width: 100%" border="1" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1"
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''Battery Type'''  
+
| style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 204)" | <span style="letter-spacing: 0px">'''Battery Type'''</span>
−
| '''Advantages'''  
+
| style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 204)" | <span style="letter-spacing: 0px">'''Cost'''</span>
−
| '''Disadvantages'''
+
| style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 204)" | <span style="letter-spacing: 0px">'''Deep Cycle Performance'''</span>
 +
| style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 204)" | <span style="letter-spacing: 0px">'''Maintenance'''</span>
 +
| style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 204)" | <span style="letter-spacing: 0px">'''Advantages'''</span>
 +
| style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 204)" | <span style="letter-spacing: 0px">'''Disadvantages'''</span>
 
|-
 
|-
−
| colspan="3" | '''Flooded Lead-Acid'''
+
| bgcolor="#d9d9d9" colspan="12" | <span style="letter-spacing: 0px">'''Flooded Lead-Acid'''</span><br/>
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Lead-Antimony  
+
| <span style="letter-spacing: 0px">Lead-Antimony</span><br/>
−
| low cost, wide availability, good deep cycle and high temperature performance, can replenish electrolyte  
+
| <span style="letter-spacing: 0px">low</span>
−
| high water loss and maintenance
+
| <span style="letter-spacing: 0px">good</span>
 +
| <span style="letter-spacing: 0px">high</span>
 +
| <span style="letter-spacing: 0px">low cost, wide availability, good deep cycle and high temperature performance, can replenish electrolyte</span>
 +
| <span style="letter-spacing: 0px">high water loss and maintenance</span>
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Lead-Calcium Open Vent  
+
| <span style="letter-spacing: 0px">Lead-Calcium Open Vent</span>
−
| low cost, wide availability, low water loss, can replenish electrolyte  
+
| <span style="letter-spacing: 0px">low</span>
−
| poor deep cycle performance, intolerant to high temperatures and overcharge
+
| <span style="letter-spacing: 0px">poor</span>
 +
| <span style="letter-spacing: 0px">medium</span>
 +
| <span style="letter-spacing: 0px">low cost, wide availability, low water loss, can replenish electrolyte</span>
 +
| <span style="letter-spacing: 0px">poor deep cycle performance, intolerant to high temperatures and overcharge</span>
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Lead-Calcium Sealed Vent  
+
| <span style="letter-spacing: 0px">Lead-Calcium Sealed Vent</span>
−
| low cost, wide availability, low water loss  
+
| <span style="letter-spacing: 0px">low</span>
−
| poor deep cycle performance, intolerant to high temperatures and overcharge, can not replenish electrolyte
+
| <span style="letter-spacing: 0px">poor</span>
 +
| <span style="letter-spacing: 0px">low</span>
 +
| <span style="letter-spacing: 0px">low cost, wide availability, low water loss</span>
 +
| <span style="letter-spacing: 0px">poor deep cycle performance, intolerant to high temperatures and overcharge, can not replenish electrolyte</span>
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Lead Antimony/Calcium Hybrid  
+
| <span style="letter-spacing: 0px">Lead Antimony/Calcium Hybrid</span>
−
| medium cost, low water loss  
+
| <span style="letter-spacing: 0px">medium</span>
−
| limited availability, potential for stratification
+
| <span style="letter-spacing: 0px">good</span>
 +
| <span style="letter-spacing: 0px">medium</span>
 +
| <span style="letter-spacing: 0px">medium cost, low water loss</span>
 +
| <span style="letter-spacing: 0px">limited availability, potential for stratification</span>
 
|-
 
|-
−
| colspan="3" | '''Captive Electrolyte Lead-Acid'''
+
| bgcolor="#d9d9d9" colspan="12" | <span style="letter-spacing: 0px">'''Captive Electrolyte Lead-Acid'''</span>
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Gelled  
+
| <span style="letter-spacing: 0px">Gelled</span>
−
| medium cost, little or no maintenance, less susceptible to freezing, install in any orientation  
+
| <span style="letter-spacing: 0px">medium</span>
−
| fair deep cycle performance, intolerant to overcharge and high temperatures, limited availability
+
| <span style="letter-spacing: 0px">fair</span>
 +
| <span style="letter-spacing: 0px">low</span>
 +
| <span style="letter-spacing: 0px">medium cost, little or no maintenance, less susceptible to freezing, install in any orientation</span>
 +
| <span style="letter-spacing: 0px">fair deep cycle performance, intolerant to overcharge and high temperatures, limited availability</span>
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Absorbed Glass Mat  
+
| <span style="letter-spacing: 0px">Absorbed Glass Mat</span>
−
| medium cost, little or no maintenance, less susceptible to freezing, install in any orientation  
+
| <span style="letter-spacing: 0px">medium</span>
−
| fair deep cycle performance, intolerant to overcharge and high temperatures, limited availability
+
| <span style="letter-spacing: 0px">fair</span>
 +
| <span style="letter-spacing: 0px">low</span>
 +
| <span style="letter-spacing: 0px">medium cost, little or no maintenance, less susceptible to freezing, install in any orientation</span>
 +
| <span style="letter-spacing: 0px">fair deep cycle performance, intolerant to overcharge and high temperatures, limited availability</span>
 
|-
 
|-
−
| colspan="3" | '''Nickel-Cadmium'''
+
| bgcolor="#d9d9d9" colspan="12" | <span style="letter-spacing: 0px">'''Nickel-Cadmium'''</span>
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Sealed Sintered-Plate  
+
| <span style="letter-spacing: 0px">Sealed Sintered-Plate</span>
−
| wide availability, excellent low and high temperature performance, maintenance free  
+
| <span style="letter-spacing: 0px">high</span>
−
| only available in low capacities, high cost, suffer from ‘memory’ effect
+
| <span style="letter-spacing: 0px">good</span>
 +
| <span style="letter-spacing: 0px">none</span>
 +
| <span style="letter-spacing: 0px">wide availability, excellent low and high temperature performance, maintenance free</span>
 +
| <span style="letter-spacing: 0px">only available in low capacities, high cost, suffer from ‘memory’ effect</span>
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Flooded Pocket-Plate  
+
| <span style="letter-spacing: 0px">Flooded Pocket-Plate</span>
−
| excellent deep cycle and low and high temperature performance, tolerance to overcharge  
+
| <span style="letter-spacing: 0px">high</span>
−
| limited availability, high cost, water additions required
+
| <span style="letter-spacing: 0px">good</span>
 +
| <span style="letter-spacing: 0px">medium</span>
 +
| <span style="letter-spacing: 0px">excellent deep cycle and low and high temperature performance, tolerance to overcharge</span>
 +
| <span style="letter-spacing: 0px">limited availability, high cost, water additions required</span>
 
|}
 
|}
 +
<br/></div>
 +
= <span style="letter-spacing: 0px">Typical Problems of Batteries</span><br/> =
 +
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
 +
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px">Batteries are the component of a PV system with the lowest lifespan.</span>
 +
 +
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px">Aging effects are the resulting changes in the battery behavior. This changes can be observed as loss of capacity and increase of internal resistance that at the end of the day represent a reduction of the lifetime of the battery.</span>
 +
 +
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px">Aging effects are classified in: ''cycling processes'' (consequence of charge and discharge the battery, example increase of internal resistance) and ''calendric processes'' (occurs even when the battery is not being operated, for example self discharge)</span>
 +
 +
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px">The following describes the typical problems of batteries.</span>
 +
<br/></div>
 +
==== <span style="letter-spacing: 0px">Sulfation</span> ====
 +
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
 +
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px">If a lead acid battery is left in a deeply discharged condition for a long period of time, it will become "sulfated". Some of the sulfur in the acid will combine with lead from the plates to form lead sulfate. If the battery is not refilled with water periodically, part of the plates will be exposed to air, and this process will be accelerated.</span>
 +
 +
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px">Lead sulfate coats the plates so the electrolyte cannot contact it. Even the addition of new water will not reverse the permanent loss in battery capacity.</span>
 +
<br/></div>
 +
==== <span style="letter-spacing: 0px">Treeing</span> ====
 +
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
 +
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px">Treeing is a short circuit between positive and negative plates caused by misalignment of the plates and separators. The problem is usually caused by a manufacturing defect, although rough handling is another cause.</span>
 +
<br/></div>
 +
==== <span style="letter-spacing: 0px">Mossing</span> ====
 +
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
 +
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px">Mossing is a build-up of material on top of the battery elements. Circulating electrolyte brings small particles to the top of the battery where they are caught on the element tops. Mossing causes shorts between negative and positive plates. Heavy mossing causes a short between the element plates and the plate strap above them.</span>
  
−
<br>
+
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px">To avoid mossing, the battery should not be subjected to continuous overcharging or rough handling.</span>
 +
<br/></div>
 +
= <span style="letter-spacing: 0px">Recycling of Batteries of Photovoltaic (PV) Systems</span><br/> =
 +
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
 +
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px">Batteries contain toxic materials such as lead, cadmium, acids and plastics which can harm humans, animals and the environment. Therefore, they must not be disposed of in landfills or burned, but have to be treated as hazardous waste.</span>
  
−
Source: [http://www.localenergy.org/pdfs/Document%20Library/Fundamentals%20of%20batteries%20and%20charge%20control.pdf James P. Dunlop, Florida Solar Energy Center for Sandia National Laboratories: Batteries and Charge Control in Stand-Alone Photovoltaic Systems. Fundamentals and Application, 1997].
+
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px">In many countries recycling of batteries to reuse its materials is common practice.</span>
  
−
<br>
+
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px">-> Please visit [[Recycling of Photovoltaic (PV) Batteries|Recycling of PV Batteries]], to discuss the issue and share your experience.</span>
 +
<br/></div>
 +
= Further Information =
 +
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
 +
For further information on batteries in [[Solar Home Systems (SHS)|solar home systems]] see the EnDev wiki page on [[Battery in a Photovoltaic Power Supply System - Standards|standards for the battery]].
  
−
For&nbsp;further information on batteries in solar home systems see the EnDev wiki page on [[Standards for the Battery|standards for the battery]].<br>
+
*[[Portal:Solar|Solar Portal on energypedia]]
 +
*[[Battery Charging Systems (BCS)|Battery Charging Systems (BCS)]]<br/>
 +
*[[End-of-Life Management of Batteries in the Off-Grid Solar Sector|End-of-Life Management of Batteries in the Off-Grid Solar Sector]]
 +
<br/></div>
 +
<br/>
  
−
<br>
+
= References =
 +
<div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
 +
Most of the information at this wiki page on batteries for solar systems is taken from: [http://www.polarpowerinc.com/info/operation20/operation25.htm#2.5.1 Polar Power Inc]
  
−
  [[Solar Main Page|⇒  Back to Solar Section]]
+
<references />
 +
</div>
 +
<br/>
  
 +
[[Category:Battery_Charging_Systems]]
 
[[Category:Solar]]
 
[[Category:Solar]]
 +
[[Category:Solar_Home_Systems_(SHS)]]

Latest revision as of 08:47, 10 June 2024

Overview

Most of the information at this wiki page on batteries for solar systems is taken from: Polar Power Inc., except for the paragraphs on nickel iron batteries and recycling and otherwise indicated paragraphs.


Batteries store the electrical energy generated by the modules during sunny periods, and deliver it whenever the modules cannot supply power. Normally, batteries are discharged during the night or cloudy weather. But if the load exceeds the array output during the day, the batteries can supplement the energy supplied by the modules.

The interval which includes one period of charging and one of discharging is described as a "cycle." Ideally, the batteries are recharged to 100 % capacity during the charging phase of each cycle. The batteries must not be completely discharged during each cycle.

No single component in a photovoltaic (PV) system is more affected by the size and usage of the load than storage batteries. If a charge controller is not included in the system, oversized loads or excessive use can drain the batteries' charge to the point where they are damaged and must be replaced. If a controller does not stop overcharging, the batteries can be damaged during times of low or no load usage or long periods of full sun.

For these reasons, battery systems must be sized to match the load. In addition, different types and brands of batteries have different "voltage set point windows." This refers to the range of voltage the battery has available between a fully discharged and fully charged state.

As an example, a battery may have a voltage of 14 volts when fully charged, and 11 when fully discharged. Assume the load will not operate properly below 12 volts. Therefore, there will be times when this battery cannot supply enough voltage for the load. The battery's voltage window does not match that of the load.



Selection of Battery Technology

The selection of the appropriate battery technology according to the requirements is a crucial part of the design of a system.

Basic technical selection criteria are:

  • voltage
  • capacity (amp-hour)
  • energy density (Wh/kg or Wh/dm³)
  • weight
  • charge and discharge parameters (number of cycles, depth of discharge)
  • lifetime in years
  • maintenance requirement

In addition, other requirement should be considered, which may differ by project region.

Below a selection of additional considerations can be found. A weighting, as mentioned, depends on the installed system type and various specific factor of the project country (e.g. knowledge of technology, maintenance structure,...).


Storage Technology Requirements[1]:

  • Availability 
  • Local Knowledge of Technique 
  • Complexity 
  • Durability 
  • Scalability
  • Disposal, recyclability, other environmental aspects
  • Safety, health impacts
  • Costs
  • Vulnerability
  • Establishment
  • Manufacturability
  • Maintenance


A radar-diagram (or spider web) can help to visualise these specific requirements.


Performance

The performance of storage batteries is described in two ways:

  1. amp-hour capacity
  2. depth of cycling


Amp-hour Capacity

The first method, the number of amp-hours a battery can deliver, is simply the number of amps of current it can discharge, multiplied by the number of hours it can deliver that current.

System designers use amp-hour specifications to determine how long the system will operate without any significant amount of sunlight to recharge the batteries. This measure of "days of autonomy" is an important part of design procedures.

Theoretically, a 200 amp-hour battery should be able to deliver either 200 amps for one hour, 50 amps for 4 hours, 4 amps for 50 hours, or one amp for 200 hours.

This is not really the case, since some batteries, such as automotive ones, are designed for short periods of rapid discharge without damage. However, they are not designed for long time periods of low discharge. This is why automotive batteries are not appropriate for, and should not be used in, photovoltaic systems.

Other types of batteries are designed for very low rates of discharge over long periods of time. These are appropriate for photovoltaic applications. The different types are described later.


Charge and Discharge Rates

If the battery is charged or discharged at a different rate than specified( Different current), the available amp-hour capacity will increase or decrease. Generally, if the battery is discharged at a slower rate, its capacity will probably be slightly higher. More rapid rates will generally reduce the available capacity.

The rate of charge or discharge is called C rate.

C rate is a value that describe the current required to fully discharge the battery (DOD 100%).

C rate can be calculated by using the next formula

C rate =1/(time in hrs to fully discharge the battery).


Therefore: From a fully charged battery to a fully discharged one using different C rates means: 1 C =1 hour 2 C=0.5 hour 0.1C=10 hours

For Power applications (for example automotive batteries) a big C rate is desired, while for energy applications (SHS) a small C rate is preferred.


Temperature

Another factor influencing amp-hour capacity is the temperature of the battery and its surroundings. Batteries are rated for performance at 80°F (26.7°C). Lower temperatures reduce amp-hour capacity significantly. Higher temperatures result in a slightly higher capacity, but this will increase water loss and decrease the number of cycles in the battery life.


Depth of Discharge (DOD)

The second description of performance is depth of discharge. This describes how much of the total amp-hour capacity of the battery is used during a charge-recharge cycle.

As an example, "shallow cycle" batteries are designed to discharge from 10% to 25% of their total amp-hour capacity during each cycle. In contrast, most "deep cycle" batteries designed for photovoltaic applications are designed to discharge up to 80% of their capacity without damage. Manufacturers of deep cycle "Ni cad" batteries claim their product can be totally discharged without damage.

Even deep cycle batteries are affected by the depth of discharge. The deeper the discharge, the smaller the number of charging cycles the battery will last. They are also affected by the rate of discharge and their temperature.

For Lead Acid batteries, the manufacturer indicates usually, that a battery can last a certain number of cycles. These cycles usually refer to 100% DOD cycles. In the literature it is common to assume, that a battery,which is discharged only to 30% DOD per cycle, lasts three times the number of cycles indicated by the manufacturer.


Different Battery Types

Batteries can be classified in 2 categories.



Primary Batteries

Are the non rechargeable batteries, this means the internal reaction occurs only in one direction therefore the battery life time ends after one cycle.The advantage of this type of batteries is that they have a high energy density. Carbon-zinc batteries and alkaline batteries are the most common types.



Secondary Batteries

Are the rechargeable batteries, they can be used during many cycles because the chemical internal reaction can be reversed by applying to it an electric current. Examples of this type are: NiCd, Lead acid, Li-ion.


The table Battery Technologies - Overview shows (see below) the currently available technologies on the market. It is largely based on the findings from the latest InterSolar Munich 2017 and the conducted research on producers. The bold marked table content highlights special characteristics. As stated above and shown  in subsections below, there are various subcategories for battery technologies, mostly depending of the different material used for the anode or cathode. This is not the case for the 'Lithium-Lead Hybrid'. That particular storage technology applies Li-Ion and Lead-Acid batteries in one system and is making use of both advantages.

Battery Technologies - Overview
 
  
 Lead-Acid
 Nickel Iron Nickel Metal Hybrid Lithium Ion Sodium Sulfat Vanadium Redox-Flow Sodium Ion Zinc-Air Lithium-Lead Hybrid
Abbreviation
 Pb NiFe NiMH Li-Ion NaS/ NaNiCl - Na-Ion - Li-Lead-Hybrid
Energy Density [Wh/kg]
 30 - 45
 19-25 40 -80 60 -200 100 -250 15 - 50 20 -30 60 -200 50-250
Nominal Voltage
 2 1.2 1.2
 2 -3.7 2.1/2.6 1.6 1.8 1.4 (?) 2/2-3.7
(system regulated)
Cycle Life Time
 50 - 2,000 3,000 - 15,000 500 - 3,000
 1,000 - 10,000 2,500 - 4,500 > 10,000 > 3,000 1,000 - 5,000 see
Lead-Acid/Li-Ion
Calendar Life Time [a]
 3 - 15 20-40 5 -10 5 -20 10 -15 5-20 5 -15 10-15 >10
Efficiency[%]
 75 - 90 > 65 65 - 75 90 -95 70 -85 60 - 75 80 - 90 50 -70  >85
Temperature Range [°C]
 -20 - 50 -40 - 60 -20 - 50 -20 - 50 270 -350 0 -50 -10 - 50 0 - 50 0 - 50
Cost [€/kWh]
 50 - 250 350 - 550 300 - 600 200 - 1,500 150 - 250 350 - 800 200 (expected) 150 - 500 150 - 700
Cost €/kWh
per year
 16.6 13.7 - 17.5 60 40 - 75 15.0 - 16.6 40 - 70 13 - 40 15 - 33 15 - 35
Age of Technology [a]
 >100 >100 >100 >20  >20  >20  ca. 10 ca. 10 ca. 2
Establishment
 (+++) (+++)
 (+++) (++) (-) (-) (---) (---) (-)
Additional Features
 Positiv ▪ high number of manufacturers
▪ simple charging regime 		▪ High lifetime
▪ Can withstand electrical and mechanical abuse
▪ no toxic ingredients
 ▪ well established for small appl.
▪ no toxic ingredients 		▪ less sensitive to low SOC
▪ well established for small appl.
▪ high cost reduction potential 		▪ no single cell supvervision ▪ energy and power independent scaleable
▪ repair by replacement of parts
 ▪ no toxic ingredients
▪ inexpensive materials
▪ no single cell supervision 		▪ no toxic ingredients
▪ inexpensive materials 		▪ extended lifetime (compared to Lead-Acid)
▪ low SOC prevented
▪ lower costs
Negativ ▪ not cylcesm, but other ageing effects limit lifetime
▪ low SOC limits lifetime 		▪ limited producers available
▪ Large and heavy
▪ High self discharge rate

 ▪ limited capacity available
▪ for parallel installation, special supervision 		▪ limited cell capacity available
▪ single cell supervision 		▪ extreme temperature sensitive
▪ two manufcaturers
▪ large scale 		▪ complex technology ▪ very new technology
▪ only one manufacturer with unclear status 		▪ very new technology
▪ only one manufacturer with unclear status 		▪ no real hybrid
▪ environmental impact of Lead-Acid
▪ limited availability

[2]




Lead Acid Batteries

Lead-acid is the oldest type of rechargeable batteries. The cell voltage is 2.1 V and the main advantage over its predecessor, the Ni-Cd battery, is that it does not present memory effect (loss of capacity due to incomplete recharge cycle).

Lead-acid are present a good performance in cycling when the appropriate voltage limits are used. On the one hand over discharging(very low voltage) produces irreversible chemical changes in the battery while on the other hand over charging (high voltage above 2.40V/cell) produces good battery performance but produce corrosion on the positive plate.

The aging process that shortens the lead acid battery life time are: Sulfatation, Grid corrosion of the positive electrode, Acid stratification.

Acid stratification: When the liquid electrolyte suffers from stratification, this results in a loss of capacity due to the sedimentation of active material at the bottom. This can be reduced by overcharging the battery in order to improve the internal mixing of the electrolyte.

Advantages: Inexpensive (low initial cost, but constant maintenance is required), low self discharge and that is a mature technology.

Limitations Sulfatation and acid stratification, Some types requires a constant maintenance (refill with water), low energy density (good performance for stationary applications), lead availability price and environmental impact, and bad performance at low temperature.


Starting, lighting and ignitionSLI) Batteries

Starting, lighting and ignition (SLI) batteries are a type of lead-acid battery designed primarily for shallow cycle service, most often used to power automobile starters. These batteries have a number of thin positive and negative plates per cell, designed to increase the total plate active surface area. The large number of plates per cell allows the battery to deliver high discharge currents for short periods. While they are not designed for long life under deep cycle service, SLI batteries are sometimes used for PV systems in developing countries where they are the only type of battery locally manufactured. Although not recommended for most PV applications, SLI batteries may provide up to two years of useful service in small stand-alone PV systems where the average daily depth of discharge is limited to 10-20%, and the maximum allowable depth of discharge is limited to 40-60%[3].


Vented Lead Acid Batteries

Although automotive batteries are not appropriate for photovoltaic applications, deep cycle lead acid batteries similar to automotive types, are referred to as marine type batteries and are used more often.

These batteries are true deep cycle units. They can be discharged as much as 80%, although less discharge depth will result in more charge cycles and thus a longer battery life.


Internal Construction

These batteries are made up of lead plates in a solution of sulfuric acid. The plates are a lead alloy grid with lead oxide paste dried on the grid. The sulfuric acid and water solution is normally called "electrolyte."

The grid material is an alloy of lead because pure lead is a physically weak material. Pure lead would break during transportation and service operations involving moving the battery

The lead alloy is normally lead with 2-6% antimony. The lower the antimony content, the less resistant the battery will be to charging. Less antimony also reduces the production of hydrogen and oxygen gas during charging, thereby reducing water consumption. On the other hand, more antimony allows deeper discharging without damage to the plates. This in turn means longer battery life. Lead-antimony batteries are deep cycle types.

Cadmium and strontium are used in place of antimony to strengthen the grid. These offer the same benefits and drawbacks as antimony, but also reduce the amount of self-discharge the battery has when it is not being used.

Calcium also strengthens the grid and reduces self-discharge. However, calcium reduces the recommended discharge depth to no more than 25%. Therefore, lead-calcium batteries are shallow cycle types.

Both positive and negative plates are immersed into a solution of sulfuric acid and subjected to a "forming" charge by the manufacturer. The direction of this charge causes the paste on the positive grid plates to convert to lead dioxide. The negative plates' paste converts to "sponge" lead. Both materials are highly porous, allowing the sulfuric acid solution to freely penetrate the plates.

The plates are alternated in the battery, with separators between each plate. The separators are made of porous material to allow the flow of electrolyte. They are electrically non-conductive. Typical materials include mixtures of silica and plastics or rubber. (Originally, spacers were made of thin sheets of cedar.)

Separators are either individual sheets or "envelopes." Envelopes are sleeves, open at the top, which are put on only the positive plates.

A group of negative and positive plates, with separators, makes up an "element". An element in a container immersed in electrolyte makes up a battery "cell."

Larger plates, or more of them, will increase the amp-hours the battery can deliver. Thicker plates, or less plate count per cell, will allow a greater number of cycles and longer lifetime from the battery.

Regardless of the size of the plates, a cell will only deliver a nominal 2 volts. Therefore, a battery is typically made up of several cells connected in series, internally or externally, to increase the voltage the entire battery can deliver.

This is why a six volt battery has three cells, and 12 volt batteries have six. Some batteries used in photovoltaic systems have only one cell, allowing the user to have any number of volts in the battery system, as long as it is a multiple of two.


Terminals

The internal straps which make these internal connections are brought up to the top of the battery and connected to the external terminals. The most familiar terminal is the tapered top type. The taper allows for a wide variety of cable clamp sizes. The positive terminal is slightly larger than the negative one to reduce the chance of accidentally switching the cables. Other terminal types used more often in photovoltaic battery applications include "L" terminals, wing-nut terminals and "universal" terminals. The type of terminal used may depend on the number and type of interconnections between the batteries and the balance of the system.

Interconnections can be made with short cables, #2 AWG or larger. The cables end in appropriate terminals. They can also be made with bus bars made specifically for this purpose by the battery manufacturer.


Venting

The cells of a vented lead acid battery are vented to allow the hydrogen and oxygen gas to escape during charging, and to provide an opening for adding water lost during gas production.

Although open caps are most common, the caps may be a flame arrester type, which prevents a flame from outside the battery from entering the cell.

"Recombinant" type caps are also available. These contain a catalyst that causes the hydrogen and oxygen gases to recombine into water, significantly reducing the water requirements of the battery.


WARNING!
Never smoke or have open flames or sparks around batteries! As the batteries charge, explosive hydrogen gas is produced. Always make sure battery banks are adequately vented and that a No Smoking sign is posted in a highly visible place.


State of Charge, Specific Gravity and Voltage

The percentage of acid in the electrolyte is measured by the "specific gravity" of the fluid. This measures how much the electrolyte weighs compared to an equal quantity of water. Specific gravity is measured with a hydrometer.

The greater the state of charge, the higher the specific gravity of the electrolyte. The voltage of each cell, and thus the entire battery, is also higher. Measuring specific gravity during the discharge of a battery will be a good indicator of the state of the charge. During the charging of a flooded battery, the specific gravity will lag the state of charge because complete mixing of the electrolyte does not occur until gassing commences near the end of charge. Because of the uncertainty of the level of mixing of the electrolyte, this measurement on a fully charged battery is a better indicator of the health of the cell. Therefore, this should not be considered an absolute measurement for capacity and should be combined with other techniques.


Freezing Point

Since lead acid batteries use an electrolyte which is partially water, they can freeze. The sulfuric acid in a battery acts as an antifreeze, however. The higher the percentage of acid in the water, the lower the freezing temperature. However, even a fully charged lead acid battery will freeze at some extremely low temperature.

At a 50% charge, a typical lead acid battery will freeze around -10°F (-23.3°C). Notice that as the state of charge goes down, the specific gravity goes down as well The acid is becoming weaker and weaker, and lighter and lighter, until it is only slightly denser than water.

NOTE:
The information in Table 2-3 is for deep cycle lead acid batteries. Shallow cycle automotive batteries have slightly different values.


TABLE 2-3:
States of Charge, Specific Gravities, Voltages, and Freezing Points for Typical Deep Cycle Lead Acid Batteries:

State of Charge Specific Gravity Voltage per Cell (volts) Voltage of 12V (6 cell) Battery Freezing Point (°F)

Fully Charged

1.265

2.12

12.70

-71 (-57.2°C)

75% Charged

1.225

2.10

12.60

-35 (37.2°C)

50% Charged

1.190

2.08

12.45

-10 (-23.3°C)

25% Charged

1.155

2.03

12.20

+3 (-16.1°C)

Fully Discharged

1.120

1.95

11.70

+17 (-8.3°C)


The charging characteristics of lead acid batteries changes with electrolyte temperature. The colder the battery, the lower the rate of charge it will accept. Higher temperatures allow higher charge rates.

If a battery will be used in a climate that will continuously be extremely hot or cold, with minimum temperature swings, it would be wise to adjust the electrolyte specific gravity for the temperature. This will help extend the life and enhance the performance of the battery under these extreme conditions. This adjustment should be done at the battery manufacturer, or through their supervision.

For example, a typical lead acid battery which is half charged will only accept two amps at 0°F (-17,8°C). At 80°F (26,7°C), it will accept over 25 amps. This is why most charge controllers equipped with temperature compensation change their voltage settings with temperature. A few measure the battery temperature, and adjust the charging rate (current flow) accordingly.

A final characteristic of lead acid batteries is their fairly high rate of self discharge. When not in service they may loose from 5% per month to 1% per day of their capacity, depending on temperature and cell chemistry. The higher the temperature, the faster the rate of self-discharge.


Sealed Flooded (Wet) Lead Acid Batteries

As described before, the use of less antimony, or using calcium, cadmium, or strontium in place of antimony, results in less gassing and lower water consumption. However, these batteries should not be discharged more than 15-25%, or the life of the battery will be dramatically shortened.

Self discharge is less of a factor with sealed lead acid batteries due to the fact that these batteries are typically lead-calcium or lead-calcium/antimony hybrids. Self discharge can be minimized by storing batteries in cool areas between 5-15°C.

The rate of water loss may be so low that the vent plugs for each cell can be nearly or completely sealed . In most of these batteries, there is still some production of hydrogen gas. Therefore, a venting system is still required, but it is typically a pressure valve regulated system.

The temperature range sealed batteries can accommodate is about the same as unsealed batteries. Since the specific gravity cannot be measured with a hydrometer, many sealed batteries have a built in hydrometer.

A built-in hydrometer is a captive float in the electrolyte. If the specific gravity is high enough, the float comes up against a window at the top of the battery. If the float is visible in the window, the battery is nearly fully charged. In PV systems, sometimes this float gets stuck and the battery should be lightly tapped to ensure free movement of the hydrometer.

If the battery is not fully charged, the float will sink, and cannot be seen in the window.

The charging characteristics of sealed lead acid batteries also changes with electrolyte temperature. Charge controllers used on these batteries should include temperature compensation for battery temperatures below 70°F (21,1°C).


Captive Electrolyte Batteries

Batteries with a gelled (Gel) or absorbed glass mat (AGM) electrolyte are available completely sealed. These batteries are sometimes referred to as "Valve Regulated Batteries." Some of the newer batteries have catalytic recombiners internal to their battery to aid in the reduction of water loss. All sealed batteries will vent if they are overcharged to the point of excessive gassing to prevent extreme pressures from building up in the battery case. This electrolyte is then lost forever and the life of the battery may be shortened. This problem can be reduced or eliminated by properly charging the battery as recommended by the manufacturer and by using temperature compensation in the charge controller.

This type of battery is generally a lead calcium or lead calcium/antimoninal hybrid. Because the electrolyte is captive, there is no need to charge the battery high enough to gas the electrolyte. The battery can be used in any position, even upside down. Since the electrolyte does not flow away from the plates, the battery still delivers full capacity. The manufacturer should be consulted for the proper regulation voltage for their specific battery. These batteries are typically shallow cycle batteries. Discharging these batteries greater than 20% will significantly reduce the lifetime of the battery.

These batteries have shown some temperature limitations, typically ranges in excess of -20 to +50 degrees C should be avoided. Self discharge rates are very low, comparable to lead calcium batteries or better.


Nickel Cadmium (Ni Cad) Batteries

Ni Cad batteries have a physical structure similar to lead acid batteries. Instead of lead plates, they use nickel hydroxide for the positive plates and cadmium oxide for the negative plates. The electrolyte is potassium hydroxide.

The cell voltage of a typical Ni Cad battery is 1.2 volts, rather than the two volts per cell of a lead battery.

Ni Cad batteries can survive freezing and thawing without any effect on performance. High temperatures have less of an effect than they have on lead acid batteries. Self-discharge rates range from 3-6% per month.

Ni Cad batteries are less affected by overcharging. They can be totally discharged without damage. They are not subject to sulfation. Their ability to accept charging is independent of temperature.

Although the initial cost of Ni Cad batteries is higher than lead acid types, their lower maintenance costs and longer lives make them a logical choice for many photovoltaic installations. This is particularly true if the system is in a remote or dangerous location.

Since battery maintenance is a major part of all photovoltaic system maintenance, significant reductions in service time and costs can be achieved.

However, Ni Cad batteries cannot be tested as accurately as a "wet" lead-acid battery. If state of charge monitoring is necessary, Ni Cad may not be the best choice.

Cadmium is considered as a hazardous material. It is in general considered more poisoned than Lead and there exist less recycling possibilities for Ni Cad batteries, than for Lead Acid batteries.





Nickel Iron Batteries

The nickel iron battery (NiFe battery) is a storage battery having a nickel (III) oxide-hydroxide cathode and an iron anode, with an electrolyte of potassium hydroxide (or sometimes a mixture of potassium hydroxide and lithium hydroxide). The active materials are held in nickel-plated steel tubes or perforated pockets. The nominal cell voltage is 1.2V. It is a low maintenance and very robust battery which is tolerant of electrical and mechanical abuse, (over charge, over discharge, short-circuiting, and thermal shocks) and can have very long life, even if so treated. It is often used in backup situations and increasingly in off-grid solutions where it can be continuously used and can last for more than 20 years.1 It also has a high temperature resistance with an operating window between -40 and +60 degree Celsius. One other advantage of NiFe batteries is that they can easily be reconditioned. If at any point they are not holding enough charge then it is possible to recondition their capacity by increaseing the Equalise to 1.75V per cell and equalise for 24 hours (Should be performed every 5-10 years).2

One major difference between nickel iron and Ni Cad batteries is discharge rate. Nickel iron batteries cannot deliver the extremely high currents that Ni Cad batteries can, so if heavy loads are used, a larger capacity battery bank has to be employed. On the other side NiFe batteries do not suffer from the memory efferct, which is affecting the Ni Cad batteries.

THe downside is that NiFe battiers have a low specific energy (19-25Wh/kg and therefore large and heavy), poor charge retention (self discarge rate is 20-30% per month), and high cost of manufacture. Therefore the use of nickel iron batteries is not very common. They are hardly available and expensive compared to other batteries, but with low cost per kWh condisdering the cycles and long lifetime.3

One of the most interesting aspects of nickel iron batteries is that they are made without toxic lead or cadmium, which solves a future disposal problem.


References:

1 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nickel–iron_battery&nbsp;

2 http://www.bimblesolar.com/batteries/nifebatteries

3 http://www.bimblesolar.com/battery-comparison


Lithium Ion Batteries

Can be found in cell phones and consumer electrics. Is a secondary battery with a nominal voltage of an individual Li-ion cell 3.2V and 3.8V.The main advantages of Li-ion batteries are:</span></u></p> 1. High energy density.

2. No memory effect

3. High efficiency (near 100%)

4. Long cycle life (>3,000 cycles at 80% DOD)

5. Maintenance-free


The main disadvantage is the high cost. </div>



Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery

Lithium Iron Phosphate battery (LiFePO4) or LFP is a specific type of Lithium Ion batteries with a cathode at lower voltage, and a nominal voltage at 3.2 Volt when it is 3.6V/3.7V for other lithium ion batteries. This caracteristic makes the energy and power density performances are lower, and it is not a relevent technologies for portable or EV applications. However this technology found its market with electrical buses and on-grid or off-grid solar applicaitons where weight and volume are less important. The quite good cycling performance from 3000 to 5000 80% DOD makes is the main advantage, when electronic mandatory BMS and operation at negative temperature are the weaknesses. Cost positionning must be looked carefully compare to some lead batteries and the knowledge of effective operation conditions is a must to state about the choice.

Chosing a Battery for a Solar Home System (SHS)

Each battery type has design and performance features suited for particular applications. Again, no one type of battery is ideal for Photovoltaic (PV) system applications. The designer must consider the advantages and disadvantages of different batteries with respect to the requirements of a particular application. Some of the considerations include lifetime, deep cycle performance, tolerance to high temperatures and overcharge, maintenance and many others. The following table summarizes some of the key characteristics of the different battery types.[4]


Battery Type Cost Deep Cycle Performance Maintenance Advantages Disadvantages
Flooded Lead-Acid
Lead-Antimony
 low good high low cost, wide availability, good deep cycle and high temperature performance, can replenish electrolyte high water loss and maintenance
Lead-Calcium Open Vent low poor medium low cost, wide availability, low water loss, can replenish electrolyte poor deep cycle performance, intolerant to high temperatures and overcharge
Lead-Calcium Sealed Vent low poor low low cost, wide availability, low water loss poor deep cycle performance, intolerant to high temperatures and overcharge, can not replenish electrolyte
Lead Antimony/Calcium Hybrid medium good medium medium cost, low water loss limited availability, potential for stratification
Captive Electrolyte Lead-Acid
Gelled medium fair low medium cost, little or no maintenance, less susceptible to freezing, install in any orientation fair deep cycle performance, intolerant to overcharge and high temperatures, limited availability
Absorbed Glass Mat medium fair low medium cost, little or no maintenance, less susceptible to freezing, install in any orientation fair deep cycle performance, intolerant to overcharge and high temperatures, limited availability
Nickel-Cadmium
Sealed Sintered-Plate high good none wide availability, excellent low and high temperature performance, maintenance free only available in low capacities, high cost, suffer from ‘memory’ effect
Flooded Pocket-Plate high good medium excellent deep cycle and low and high temperature performance, tolerance to overcharge limited availability, high cost, water additions required

Typical Problems of Batteries

Batteries are the component of a PV system with the lowest lifespan.

Aging effects are the resulting changes in the battery behavior. This changes can be observed as loss of capacity and increase of internal resistance that at the end of the day represent a reduction of the lifetime of the battery.

Aging effects are classified in: cycling processes (consequence of charge and discharge the battery, example increase of internal resistance) and calendric processes (occurs even when the battery is not being operated, for example self discharge)

The following describes the typical problems of batteries.


Sulfation

If a lead acid battery is left in a deeply discharged condition for a long period of time, it will become "sulfated". Some of the sulfur in the acid will combine with lead from the plates to form lead sulfate. If the battery is not refilled with water periodically, part of the plates will be exposed to air, and this process will be accelerated.

Lead sulfate coats the plates so the electrolyte cannot contact it. Even the addition of new water will not reverse the permanent loss in battery capacity.


Treeing

Treeing is a short circuit between positive and negative plates caused by misalignment of the plates and separators. The problem is usually caused by a manufacturing defect, although rough handling is another cause.


Mossing

Mossing is a build-up of material on top of the battery elements. Circulating electrolyte brings small particles to the top of the battery where they are caught on the element tops. Mossing causes shorts between negative and positive plates. Heavy mossing causes a short between the element plates and the plate strap above them.

To avoid mossing, the battery should not be subjected to continuous overcharging or rough handling.


Recycling of Batteries of Photovoltaic (PV) Systems

Batteries contain toxic materials such as lead, cadmium, acids and plastics which can harm humans, animals and the environment. Therefore, they must not be disposed of in landfills or burned, but have to be treated as hazardous waste.

In many countries recycling of batteries to reuse its materials is common practice.

-> Please visit Recycling of PV Batteries, to discuss the issue and share your experience.


Further Information

For further information on batteries in solar home systems see the EnDev wiki page on standards for the battery.



References

Most of the information at this wiki page on batteries for solar systems is taken from: Polar Power Inc

  1. ↑ Developed during Renewable Energy Group Meeting (RE GM) of GIZ EnDev ET, June 2017
  2. ↑ Based on: Presentation Fraunhoffer ISE, G.Bopp, InterSolar Munich 2017; Product Research
  3. ↑ James P. Dunlop, Florida Solar Energy Center for Sandia National Laboratories: Batteries and Charge Control in Stand-Alone Photovoltaic Systems. Fundamentals and Application, 1997
  4. ↑ James P. Dunlop, Florida Solar Energy Center for Sandia National Laboratories: Batteries and Charge Control in Stand-Alone Photovoltaic Systems. Fundamentals and Application, 1997


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