Web-based computer simulation of lead-acid batteries

Abstract

A computer simulator for sealed lead-acid (SLA) batteries has been built leveraging the Distributed Object Modeling Environment (DOME) project. DOME provides web accessibility for models written in various applications. The simulator was built as a designing tool. A designer using SLA batteries can use the simulator to predict battery behavior. Simulator inputs include nominal voltage, current draw, cycle time, and temperature. Outputs include charge voltage for float and cyclic applications, open circuit voltage as a function of depth of discharge, temperature compensated capacity, mass estimated, and an upper and lower boundary limit on the cyclic life of the battery. The inputs and outputs are fundamental design criterion when designing with batteries. Mathematical models were built using information available from battery manufacturers, published reports, and textbooks. When compared to empirical data from SLA manufacturers, the model showed little variance. Simulator charge voltage shows an average difference of 2.1 % when compared to empirical data while simulator predicted capacity overlaps manufacturers' data. Open circuit voltage data, as a function of depth of discharge, shows a close fits to empirical data.