Journal of Zhejiang University SCIENCE A
ISSN 1673-565X(Print), 1862-1775(Online), Monthly

2009   Vol. 10   No. 3   p. 418~422

Experimental research on charging characteristics of a pressure-controlled VRLA battery in high-temperature environments

Hua ZHU^†, Jin-jun TAN, Zhang-lu XU, Ji-sen XU

(Institute of Thermal Science and Power Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China)
^†E-mail: zhuhua@zju.edu.cn
Received Apr. 27, 2008; revision accepted Oct. 8, 2008

Abstract: Valve-regulated-lead-acid (VRLA) battery charging performed in high-temperature environments is extremely risky under overcharge conditions, and may lead to a subsequent thermal runaway. A new pressure-controlled charging method was adopted and the charging characteristics of the pressure-controlled VRLA battery in high-temperature environments were experimentally studied. The concept was tested in a large temperature gradient to obtain more details about the effects of users’ accustomed charging and discharging modes on battery capacity. The premature capacity loss (PCL) phenomenon under high temperature exposure was analyzed. The results showed that the capacity loss could be recovered by charging using a large current.

Key words: Valve-regulated-lead-acid (VRLA) battery, Pressure-controlled charging method, High-temperature environments, Charging and discharging characteristics
doi:10.1631/jzus.A0820658             CLC number: TK1; TK02

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