Lead Acid Cells and Batteries

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. 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.

This guide describes methods for selecting the appropriate type of valve-regulated, immobilized-electrolyte, recombinant lead-acid battery for any of a variety of stationary float applications. The purpose of this document is to ensure that the reader is aware of all significant issues that should be considered when selecting VRLA batteries, so that the user might make an informed decision

This Technical Report covers the opportunity charging of lead-acid traction batteries, i.e. the use of free time during a working period to top up the charge and thus extend the working day of a battery whilst avoiding excessive discharge. The object of this report is to lay down rules or recommendations for the use of opportunity- charging of lead-acid traction batteries of vented and valve-regulated types, when the battery manufacturer has not recommended the required operating procedures.

IEC 61056-1:2012 specifies the general requirements, functional characteristics and methods of test for all general purpose lead-acid cells and batteries of the valve-regulated type:
 - for either cyclic or float charge application;
 - in portable equipment, for instance, incorporated in tools, toys, or in static emergency, or uninterruptible power supply and general power supplies.

This is an informative document covering the broadest aspects of automatic monitor systems as they apply to traction battery applications. The subject of the guide covers those monitor characteristics and features which need to be controlled, though not necessarily currently available. In addition it accommodates those characteristics which are measurable and provides interpretations of accuracy and reliability of the information generated. This publication has the status of a Technical Report - type 3