Evaluation of electric vehicle battery systems through in-vehicle testing: Third annual report, April 1989

Technical Report · Sat Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1989

OSTI ID:6338979

Blickwedel, T W; Thomas, W A; Whitehead, G D

This third annual summary report documents the performance from October 1986 through September 1987 of the Tennessee Valley Authority's ongoing project to evaluate near-term electric vehicle traction battery packs. Detailed test procedures and test data are available from EPRI in an informal data report. The purpose of this field test activity is to provide an impartial life evaluation and comparison of the performance of various battery systems in a real-world operating environment. Testing includes initial acceptance testing of battery components and systems, daily in-vehicle operation of the batteries, monthly in-vehicle driving range tests, and periodic static (constant current) discharge tests under computer control. This year's report gives the final results on a NiZn, NiCd, Gel Cell, and two lead-acid battery packs. Specific energy and monthly driving ranges (SAE J227a ''C'' cycle and 35 mi/h constant speed cycles) are maintained throughout battery life. Vehicle range test data is analyzed statistically and variable conditions are normalized for comparative purposes. Battery modules in the pack are replaced when their measured ampere-hour capacity at a fixed discharge rate drops to 60 percent of the manufacturer's rated value. The life of a test battery pack is terminated when 25 percent of the modules in the pack have been replaced or require replacement. 26 figs., 8 tabs.

• Research Organization: Electric Power Research Inst., Palo Alto, CA (USA); Electrotek Concepts, Inc., Chattanooga, TN (USA)
• OSTI ID: 6338979
• Report Number(s): EPRI-CU-6329
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

25 ENERGY STORAGE
250900 -- Energy Storage-- Batteries
33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS
330300* -- Advanced Propulsion Systems-- Electric-Powered Systems
330400 -- Advanced Propulsion Systems-- Hybrid Systems
BATTERY CHARGING
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
ELECTRIC BATTERIES
ELECTRIC-POWERED VEHICLES
ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS
EVALUATION
FIELD TESTS
LEAD-ACID BATTERIES
METAL-METAL OXIDE BATTERIES
NICKEL-CADMIUM BATTERIES
NICKEL-ZINC BATTERIES
PERFORMANCE TESTING
RANGE
SERVICE LIFE
TESTING
VEHICLES