Comparative response of lead-acid and nickel/iron batteries to pulsed and constant-current loads

Conference · Sat Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1983

OSTI ID:5845414

DeLuca, W. H.; Tummillo, A. F.; Biwer, T. L.; Christianson, C. C.; Hornstra, F.; Yao, N. P.

Improved lead-acid and nickel/iron batteries are currently being developed for use in electric vehicles. The response of these batteries to given discharge conditions differs due to the inherent characteristics of each system. The discharge capacity of the lead-acid system is reduced (>25%) at increased discharge rates and its internal resistance is a function of both depth-of-discharge (DOD) and discharge rate. However, open-circuit stand times (0.5 to 2.0 h) at DOD levels >50% reduce the internal resistance of the lead-acid system and provide a corresponding increase in its availability capacity. In comparison, the discharge capacity and internal resistance of the nickel/iron system are virtually independent of both discharge rate and open-circuit stand times during discharge. With pulsed-current loads, the available energy and power output of both battery systems are always less than those obtained with equivalent constant-current loads due to increased internal power losses. The nickel/iron system exhibits an internal inductance that is significantly greater than that for the lead-acid system thereby causing potentially damaging voltage transients. This paper describes the test procedures and system employed, presents the test data, and methods for predicting battery response, and discusses the results obtained.

• Research Organization: Argonne National Lab., IL (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: W-31-109-ENG-38
• OSTI ID: 5845414
• Report Number(s): CONF-831020-2; ON: DE83017939
• Resource Relation: Conference: Electric Vehicle Council symposium and EXPO '83, Dearborn, MI, USA, 4 Oct 1983; Other Information: Portions are illegible in microfiche products
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

25 ENERGY STORAGE
33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS
IRON-NICKEL BATTERIES
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
PERFORMANCE TESTING
LEAD-ACID BATTERIES
ELECTRIC IMPEDANCE
PULSES
STEADY-STATE CONDITIONS
ELECTRIC BATTERIES
ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS
IMPEDANCE
METAL-METAL OXIDE BATTERIES
TESTING
250901* - Energy Storage- Batteries- Design & Development
330300 - Advanced Propulsion Systems- Electric-Powered Systems