Predicting lead–acid battery electrode performance using finite difference equations

• Published in: Journal of power sources Vol. 73; no. 2; pp. 204 - 215
• Main Authors: Cantrell, Rick L., Edwards, Dean B., Gill, Pritpal S.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Lausanne Elsevier B.V 15.06.1998; Elsevier Sequoia
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Battery; Capacity; Direct energy conversion and energy accumulation; Electrical engineering. Electrical power engineering; Electrical power engineering; Electrochemical conversion: primary and secondary batteries, fuel cells; Electrode; Exact sciences and technology; Finite difference; Lead–acid; Model; Finite difference; Electrode; Capacity; Lead–acid; Battery; Secondary batteries; Lead battery; Acid storage battery; Performance; Time voltage characteristic; Modeling; Discharge charge cycle; Finite difference method
• ISSN: 0378-7753; 1873-2755
• DOI: 10.1016/S0378-7753(97)02803-6

This paper presents a computer model that includes the effects of paste conductivity and electrolyte diffusion on the capacity of lead acid batteries. The model simulates the discharge of a complete cell by using finite difference equations to represent electrolyte diffusion in the positive and negative plates as well as in the space between them. The critical volume fraction relates the maximum amount of active material that can be reacted before the paste conductivity limits the reaction. The model uses this and other physical parameters to predict cell capacity. These predictions are then compared with experimental results.