A model for simulating fast charging of lead/acid batteries

Abstract

Among the various points which are discussed for the selection of batteries for electric vehicle applications, the possibility of fast charging is one of the most relevant. This is particularly true for the lead/acid battery which, at the present state of technology, must be charged at low rates to avoid serious shortening of its life. However, this type of battery can be successfully employed in electric vehicles for many advantageous features. The problems concerning some drawbacks of the lead/acid systems must be solved in order to improve its overall performance. In this paper we approached the problem of increasing the charging rate of the lead/acid battery by simulating, with a mathematical model, the discharge/charge conditions. Our aim was to derive useful information which could be applied to develop new technologies of fabrication. The simulations of the discharge/charge processes were carried out by studying the effect of different parameters such as plate dimensions, amount of acid, porosity of active masses and modality of charging. The results indicate that a significant increase of the charging rate can be obtained both by increasing the active mass porosity and by adopting adequate charging modalities.