Lead-acid batteries in solar photovoltaic power systems for marine aids to navigation. Final report

Technical Report · Thu Oct 01 00:00:00 EDT 1981

OSTI ID:7009714

Trenchard, S E

Since 1974, the U.S. Coast Guard has been testing lead-acid batteries in solar photovoltaic-powered systems for aids to navigation. Three types of lead-acid batteries, distinguished by the composition of their grid material, have been tested: lead-antimony grid, lead-calcium grid, and pure-lead grid. This report contains a comparison of the charging characteristics and the charge-discharge cycling behavior of each grid type. All types were remarkably similar qualitatively in their daily as well as annual cycling behavior but the significance of the quantitative differences offer distinctive tradeoffs. This report presents models for water usage, depth-of-discharge, and post-cycle capacity for various levels of voltage regulation. Based on the post-cycle capacity tests, the effect of grid strength, grid thickness, and operating conditions on life expectancy are presented. A final discussion presents the results of a field deployment of solar photovoltaic-powered aids to navigation in the Miami, Florida area. Potential solutions to the battery terminal corrosion and bird guano problems observed are discussed.

• Research Organization: Coast Guard Research and Development Center, Groton, CT (USA)
• OSTI ID: 7009714
• Report Number(s): AD-A-112151/6; CGR/DC-29/81
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
140600* -- Solar Energy-- Photovoltaic Power Systems
ALKALINE EARTH METAL COMPOUNDS
ANTIMONY COMPOUNDS
CALCIUM COMPOUNDS
CHARGE STATE
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
ELECTRIC BATTERIES
ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
LEAD-ACID BATTERIES
NAVIGATIONAL INSTRUMENTS
PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER SUPPLIES
POWER SUPPLIES
SOLAR EQUIPMENT