Lead-Acid Batteries

This SAE Recommended Practice provides for common test and verification methods to determine lead acid and nickel metal hydride electric vehicle battery module performance. The document creates the necessary performance tests to determine (a) what the basic performance of EV battery modules is, and (b) if battery modules meet minimum performance specification established by vehicle manufacturers or other purchasers. Specific values for these minimum performance specifications are not a part of this document.

This SAE Recommended Practice provides for common test and verification methods to determine Electric Vehicle battery module performance. The document creates the necessary performance standards to determine (a) what the basic performance of EV battery modules is; and (b) whether battery modules meet minimum performance specification established by vehicle manufacturers or other purchasers. Specific values for these minimum performance specifications are not a part of this document.

This SAE Recommended Practice provides for common battery designs through the description of dimensions, termination, retention, venting system, and other features required in an electric vehicle application. The document does not provide for performance standards. Performance will be addressed by SAE J1798. This document does provide for guidelines in proper packaging of battery modules to meet performance criteria detailed in J1766.

Design considerations and procedures for storage, location, mounting, ventilation, assembly, and maintenance of lead-acid storage batteries for photovoltaic power systems are provided in this standard. Safety precautions and instrumentation considerations are also included. Even though general recommended practices are covered, battery manufacturers may provide specific instructions for battery installation and maintenance.

Methods for defining the dc load and for sizing a lead-acid battery to supply that load for stationary battery applications in float service are described in this recommended practice. Some factors relating to cell selection are provided for consideration. Installation, maintenance, qualification, testing procedures, and consideration of battery types other than lead-acid are beyond the scope of this recommended practice. Design of the dc system and sizing of the battery charger(s) are also beyond the scope of this recommended practice.

This guide is specifically prepared for a PV/engine generator hybrid power system, but may also be applicable to all hybrid power systems where there is at least one renewable power source, such as PV, and a dispatchable power source, such as an engine generator. Taper-charge parameters for PV hybrid systems are suggested to help in preparing the battery for a capacity test. A test procedure is provided to ensure appropriate data acquisition, battery characterization, and capacity measurements. Finally, a process to review test results and make appropriate decisions regarding the battery is provided. No cycle-life predictions are made.

This guide is applicable to lead-acid batteries that are used as the energy storage component in remote hybrid power supplies. The remote hybrid application, with its dual generator option, i.e., both renewable and dispatchable generation, is advantageous in that the battery can usually be charged at will and under circumstances that may also be advantageous for the dispatchable generator.

This guide is applicable to all stand-alone photovoltaic (PV) systems where PV is the only charging source. Stand-alone PV system parameters and operating conditions are discussed in relation to battery characteristics and expected system performance. Charging parameters for PV systems are suggested to help in the selection of a battery for a specific application. Finally, a performance test to verify the battery selection and system parameters is provided, including discussions on how to interpret test results. Test results only provide information on initial battery performance. No cycle-life predictions are made.

A method for determining the energy-capacity requirements (sizing) of both vented and valve-regulated lead-acid batteries used in terrestrial stand-alone photovoltaic (PV) systems is described in this recommended practice. Sizing batteries for hybrid or grid-connected PV systems is beyond the scope of this recommended practice. Installation, maintenance, safety, testing procedures, and consideration of battery types other than lead-acid are beyond the scope of this recommended practice. Recommended practices for the remainder of the electrical systems associated with PV installations are also beyond the scope of this recommended practice.

IEC TS 62257-8-1:2018(E) proposes simple, cheap, comparative tests in order to discriminate easily, in a panel of automotive flooded lead-acid batteries, the most acceptable model for PV individual electrification systems. It could be particularly useful for project implementers to test in laboratories of developing countries, the capability of locally made car or truck batteries to be used for their project. The tests provided in this document allow assessment of the batteries' performances according to the general specification of the project (see IEC TS 62257-2) and batteries associated with their battery management system (BMS) in a short time and with common technical means. They can be performed locally, as close as possible to the operating conditions of the real site. The document provides also regulations and installation conditions to be complied with in order to ensure the life and proper operation of the installations as well as the safety of people living in proximity to the installation. This new edition includes the following significant technical change with respect to the previous edition: increase of the applicable voltage levels and removal of the 100 kW power limit.