Towards Unlocking the Full Potential of AGM-VRLA Battery for Energy Storage Solution
In this golden age of batteries, fueled by global warming and the imperative to move away from fossil fuels, competing chemistries are vying to become the storage solution of choice to harness renewable energy efficiently. This motivates the development of an optimised energy storage solution (ESS) which can effectively balance performance and cost. In this context, AGM-VRLA batteries, if suitably developed, can offer itself for widespread adoption for ESS. The expectations from this battery have been outlined by the Consortium for Battery Innovation (CBI): 4500 cycles at 80% depth-of-discharge (DOD), energy storage efficiency of 80-90%, energy-density of 110Wh/l and acquisition cost of $325/kWh. Towards this end, we have developed an AGM-VRLA battery that is especially suited for tropical Indian climatic conditions. Subjected to accelerated high-temperature tests and low-rate partial-state-of-charge (LRPSoC) cycling, the product demonstrated significant improvement over conventional batteries. This was made possible through a combination of FEA-based grid design optimisation, specially formulated grid-active material interface and improved retention of element compression in cycling. Durability of the product was also demonstrated in an in-house containerised installation of a 600V battery system catering to a daily energy shifting operation. Further work is being done to extend cycle life and improve efficiency to match the stated CBI targets. This advanced PbA technology retains the end-of-life (EOL) recycling advantage against competing technologies, hence a more definitive green environment.
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