Engineering analysis of thermal phenomena for lead--acid batteries during recharge processes

Abstract

Transient thermal phenomena in Pb/PbO2 (lead-acid) batteries during charging processes were investigated. Mathematical models were formulated for the studies of heat transfer behavior across the electrode/electrolyte interface within a porous PbO2 electrode during charging, thermal behavior and temperature distribution over a lead-acid battery during different charging processes designed for electric-vehicle propulsion application, and cooling methods for lead-acid batteries during recharge cycles. Numerical solutions show that the heat transfer across the solid electrode and the electrolyte within the porous electrode is so fast that their temperatures may be regarded as the same. The results also show that, in a lead-acid battery designed for electric-vehicle propulsion, the heat generated in the cell during fast charging processes may cause a noticeable rise of temperature in the cell if the heat is not removed properly. The studies of heat-removal processes indicate that incorporation of cooling tubes within the cell cannot effectively remove the heat being released from the cell. However, the heat may be removed effectively by circulation of electrolyte through the battery. Numerical solutions are provided for the engineering evaluation of heat-removal design during battery cycling processes.