F2008-05-007
Mechanical Pressure as a Low Cost Element for the Battery-Management
Actual and future application of batteries shows clearly an increasing number of cycles. That means the number of discharging and charging processes will grow. Because the lifetime of batteries depends strongly of the number of cycles, the lifetime of the battery will be reduced. Therefore every mean to increase the number of cycle must be carefully studied. Hence the cycle number and the lifetime are key points for every future battery-management.
Another question is how can the aging process be controlled.
These two topics were the motivation for some tests in our laboratory.
We tested two 12V-batteries in serial connection. One battery had a mechanical pressure on both sides and one had not. Both batteries had an additional electric connection for the measurement of the half battery voltage.
We already know from tests in the past that the mechanical pressure is a simple but efficient tool to increase the number of cycles. The additional electric connection is used to compare the two half voltage of the battery. If this comparison shows a difference, for example of 2V, we will know that one cell is in bad condition. Therefore the diagnostic-system and the driver can be informed that the battery is approaching the end of proper use.
Session: Energy Storage