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A Simple but Comprehensive Lead-Acid Battery Model for Hybrid System Simulation

Michael M.D. Ross
GPCo Inc.

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Link to GPCo Inc.
Link to CETC-Varennes

Note on Authorship:

This technical report was authored by the principal of RER Renewable Energy Research when he was an employee GPCo Inc.

Acknowledgements:

Research conducted on behalf of the Photovoltaics and Hybrid Systems Program at the CETC-Varennes (Natural Resources Canada) with partial funding from the Panel on Energy Research and Development (PERD).

Citation:

Ross, Michael M. D."A Simple but Comprehensive Lead-Acid Battery Model for Hybrid System Simulation". Proceedings of PV Horizon: Workshop on Photovoltaic Hybrid Systems, Montreal, Qc, September 10, 2001.

Abstract:

The lead-acid battery typically used in a photovoltaic/genset hybrid system is a complex, non-linear device exhibiting memory. A mathematical model of this device has been developed for the purposes of hybrid system modelling. It is a semi-empirical model of the current-voltage characteristics, partly taken from the literature and partly founded on basic electrochemistry. The model has been fit to measured data from two lead-acid batteries, a tubular flooded-vented cell with low antimony grids and an absorbed glass mat cell. It accounts for many aspects of the battery’s behaviour, including temperature dependence, self-discharge, gassing, water loss, ageing, and heat generation. While relatively simple, the model should suffice for modelling the energy flows within a hybrid system and provide insight into questions relating to thermal management, maintenance requirements, and battery replacement intervals. The model should also be useful for modelling PV/battery systems and cycle-charging systems.

Note: Following publication of this paper, many changes were made to the PVToolbox battery model in response to deficiencies in the model described in this paper.