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Evaluation of the batteries and charge controllers in small stand-alone photovoltaic systems

Book ·
OSTI ID:208217
; ;  [1];  [2]; ; ;  [3]
  1. Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (United States)
  2. K-Tech Corp., Albuquerque, NM (United States)
  3. Florida Solar Energy Center, Cape Canaveral, FL (United States)
In this paper, the authors report the results of long-term tests on 14 separate small stand-alone PV systems. These tests were carried out at two separate laboratories in Albuquerque, New Mexico and in Cape Canaveral, Florida. The systems were heavily instrumented to help determine what effects voltage regulation set points have on system water loss, battery capacity lifetime and system reliability. The authors find that under the proper conditions, the flooded lead-acid batteries in these PV systems can achieve cycle-lifetimes comparable to manufacturer`s expectations for conventional battery applications. They also find that both the overcharge and overdischarge protection provided by the system charge controllers were necessary for proper operation of these systems. Details of the data and a number of conclusions for system designers are presented.
Research Organization:
Sandia National Laboratory
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-94AL85000
OSTI ID:
208217
Report Number(s):
CONF-941203--; ISBN 0-7803-1459-X
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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