Scope: This guide contains a field test procedure for lead-acid batteries used in PV hybrid power systems. Battery charging parameters are discussed with respect to PV hybrid power systems. The field test procedure is intended to verify the battery’s operating setpoints and battery performance.
Either on a per kilogram or per watt-hour capacity basis, lead-acid batteries have the lowest production energy, carbon dioxide emissions, and criteria pollutant emissions. Some process-related emissions are also reviewed in this report.
Battery charging parameters are discussed with respect to PV hybrid power systems. The field test procedure is intended to verify the battery’s operating setpoints and battery performance. Discussion on how to interpret test results is also included.
Due to the potential benefit of battery recycling and a scarcity of associated data, there is a critical need for life-cycle data on battery material recycling. Either on a per kilogram or per watt-hour capacity basis, lead-acid batteries have the lowest production energy, carbon dioxide emissions, and criteria pollutant emissions.
Sulfuric acid production energy is quite small and contributes little to the total material production energy of PbA batteries. Employing the composition and production energy data for virgin materials given in Tables 3 and 4, Emp is estimated to be 28 MJ/kg of battery. Relative to the values given in Table 2, this value is on the high side.
Ample LCI data are available on the production of lead, polypropylene, and sulfuric acid, which are the primary ingredients (by mass) in a PbA battery. A listing of some of that LCI data is given in Table 4, along with an assessment of their quality in terms of energy and process detail.