Advanced Power Batteries for Renewable Energy Applications 3.09

Abstract

This report describes the research that was completed under project title -Advanced Power Batteries for Renewable Energy Applications 3.09, Award Number DE-EE0001112. The report details all tasks described in the Statement of Project Objectives (SOPO). The SOPO includes purchasing of test equipment, designing tooling, building cells and batteries, testing all variables and final evaluation of results. The SOPO is included in Appendix A. There were various types of tests performed during the project, such as; gas collection, float current monitoring, initial capacity, high rate partial state of charge (HRPSoC), hybrid pulse power characterization (HPPC), high rate capacity, corrosion, software modeling and solar life cycle tests. The grant covered a period of two years starting October 1, 2009 and ending September 30, 2011. Executive SummaryThe continued research in all aspects of lead-acid batteries is of value to the enhancement of many products such as automotive, motive power, telecommunications and especially renewable energy.Objective #1: Determine the best carbon based additive for optimal anode performance. Result: An acetylene black type of carbon performed optimally in the AGM and Gel type batteries.Objective #2: Determine the best lignin additive for optimal anode performance. Result: The high temperature and high molecular weight lignin out performed all others.A further understanding of negative plates, when additional carbons are added and variations of normal ingredients are involved, will improve the designs developed for energy storage batteries. With the results obtained in the project, engineers can focus on the proper materials for an improved renewable energy battery.Objective #3: Construct anodes using optimized carbon and lignin material and evaluate to achieve the most advantageous life cycle performance. Result: For the AGM battery, an acetylene black blend of carbon had the most consistent cycling performance. A high molecular weight lignin improved cycle-ability.The standard Gel battery design was cycling at a higher state of charge than any of the other batteries built with additional carbon or different lignins. The project concluded before final results were obtained.The capability to incorporate the preferred materials is possible in the normal production of today's batteries. The life test procedure used was IEC 61427, which is an excellent comparison of photovoltaic life between the various batteries built for the project. The results from these tests allow lead-acid batteries to be made with the optimum materials for longer life in renewable energy applications. 4 Objective #4: Optimize the current collector in 2-volt cells. Result: The 95 radial design and 125 power frame design out performed the standard design at one and eight minute rates. However, at a normal fifteen minute rate the standard design was superior.Grid designs are critical for high rate performance in lead-acid batteries. By creating new designs and testing them at high rates, we were able to determi...