About Lesson
Batteries
a. Function:
- Energy Storage: Batteries store excess energy generated by the solar panels for use during periods when sunlight is insufficient or when energy demand exceeds solar production.
b. Types of Batteries:
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Lead-Acid Batteries:
- Flooded Lead-Acid (FLA): Traditional type with liquid electrolyte; requires regular maintenance and ventilation.
- Sealed Lead-Acid (SLA): Includes Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) and Gel batteries; maintenance-free and suitable for various applications.
- Pros: Cost-effective, reliable, and widely used.
- Cons: Shorter lifespan, lower efficiency compared to newer technologies, and requires regular maintenance.
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Lithium-Ion Batteries:
- Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4): Known for high safety, long lifespan, and high energy density.
- Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC): Offers high energy density and balanced performance.
- Pros: Longer lifespan, higher efficiency, lighter weight, and requires less maintenance.
- Cons: Higher initial cost.
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Other Types:
- Flow Batteries: Use liquid electrolytes for energy storage; suitable for large-scale applications.
- Sodium-Nickel Chloride: High temperature and high energy density, used in some specialized applications.
c. Key Considerations:
- Capacity: Measured in amp-hours (Ah) or kilowatt-hours (kWh); indicates how much energy the battery can store.
- Depth of Discharge (DoD): The percentage of the battery’s capacity that can be used without significantly affecting its lifespan.
- Cycle Life: The number of charge and discharge cycles a battery can undergo before its capacity significantly degrades.
- Efficiency: How well the battery stores and releases energy, affecting overall system performance.