2.
6 Unit 5: Components - Batteries
Unit 5 belongs the series of four units which explains real devices used for PV generation. In this
unit batteries are presented. This unit contains theory, DIY, a state of the art inphographics and a final test.
2.6.1 A pill of theory
Use of batteries
Photovoltaic systems are not a constant source of electric current. They of course show dependency
from the periodic day/night routine, winter/summer irradiance variation, or weather conditions. These
constantly changing conditions bring the need of an alternative source of energy during times with zero or
low irradiation.
The use of batteries in a PV system is optional. Batteries are expensive and some other solutions are often
available:
• Some systems make use of electric energy only when the generators are able to produce it, and just
staying off when not.
Figure 34: isolated pumping water.
• Many domestic PV installations are connected to the commercial electric AC grid by a bidirectional
inverter which allows to eventually import electric energy, and to export the self generated energy
into the commercial grid. Most home PV applications chose for this simple and cheap solution,
since there is no need to use batteries to store energy during the day, in order to cover the needs
the night. Big PV commercial installations neither use batteries since they are not design to store
electricity but just to use it instantaneously ( pump water) or export into the commercial electric
net fresh from the panels (solar farms) for commercial profit.
But historically, PV systems were a solution for isolated houses, farms or industries that could only
relay on their own electric production. They needed to store electricity during the day for use it during the
night o bad weather conditions. Here is where the use of batteries were absolutely needed.
Indeed batteries represent an important part in the cost of PV systems. But in general, the use of
rechargeable batteries, it is of course a desirable feature for the system; that allow to collect electric energy
when the panel is generating energy but the load is not demanding.
Nowadays not only isolated buildings make use of batteries. Also some urban PV systems choose for
a completely independent grid due to avoid extra taxes, distribution charges or just for the proud of becom-
ing a zero pollution citizens. And finally since batteries have become more compact and secure, also vehi-
cles and machines make use of them to perform off grid, but to PV panels or commercial net (or both) to
recharge.
Characteristics of batteries
Batteries are one of the key factors for defining system voltage (i.e. nominal battery voltage) for a
PV installation. 12 V systems deliver by far the most used, but higher system voltages should be used in
cases where appliance power consumption is relatively high.
All electric storage technologies for batteries share same concepts to define their performance and conve-
nience:
• Capacity: maximum energy that can be obtained from a battery at maximum
charge. Capacity is measured in Ah: (amper hour) .
For example a battery with 100 Ah may supply 100 A for 1 h, or 10 A for 10 h
• nominal voltage, (input voltage): Its the operation voltage on the battery. This volt-
age should match those of panels and controllers, other wise a DC/DC converter is
needed. Common values are 2 V, 6 V,12 V,24 V
• Charge efficiency: It is the ratio between energy used to charge/energy charged (%)
Energy charged
Charge efficency= · 100(%)
Energy stored
• auto-discharge: Batteries slowly loose energy when not used. This rate of loses is
measured a auto-discahrge factor.
• Over Charge: Capability to stand charges above the capacity.
• Deep discharge: (%): Many batteries can not be discharged
down to 0% of its capability without suffering permanent dam-
age. We do call this phenomenon memory or hysteresis. It does
exist a minimum level of charge. Once the battery reaches this
level or below it will suffer permanent damage and loss capa-
bilities.
Figure 30: Battery charge
• Voltage/intensity curve during charge: Batteries do not charge and discharge in a
constant and linear way with time. They make take 2h to charge up to 80% and 4h
to charge last 20%. Even charging and discharging curve are different.
Also current intensity form charge a battery depends of its state of charge. This is
especially important wit lithium-ion batteries which only allow a small charging cur-
rent when they are fully discharged..
Types of batteries
By knowing all these characteristic of batteries is possible to analyze different types of commercial
batteries suitable for PV systems:
• Acid-Lead (Pb-Acid): this tipe is the oldest and best known for PV applications. It is the the most
used and most economic due to it extensive use. It is possible to find different chemicals elements
as acid in this type:
◦ Pb-Ca presents very little self discharge, so its suitable for irregular use.
◦ Pb-Sb has high resistance to to deep discharge; allowing extensive use until low % now show-
ing permanent damage. Is the suitable for irregular charges or intense use.
◦ We can find Pb-Acid batteries packed open or sealed. Sealed ones require less maintenance but
have less live expectation then open ones with proper maintenance.
• Niquel-Cadmium (Ni-Cd) exhibit long life, little maintenance resistance to over charges (>100%),
Deep discharge resistance. But in the other hand exhibit memory effect when recharging cycle is
not complete. They are also expensive. Thus they are not really recommend for PV applications,
where recharging process depends o external (environment, weather) circumstances.
• Lithium-Ion: is nowadays most advance options and presents best capabilities:
• Do not need full charge for normal use.
• V_out remains constant over the complete charge/discharge cycle.
• They present long lifespan, are efficient, and require no maintenance.
• They are better for environment, because can be recycled when they finish their lives.
• The biggest disadvantage of lithium ion batteries is that they require protection from
over-charge and deep-discharge. They are also expensive as lithium is nowadays very
demanded.
