Comparative response of lead-acid and nickel-iron batteries to pulsed and constant-current loads

Improved lead acid and nickel iron batteries were developed for use in electric vehicles. The response of these batteries to given discharge conditions differs according to characteristics of each system. The discharge capacity of the lead acid system is reduced at increased discharge rates and its internal resistance is a function of both depth of discharge (DOD) and discharge rate. Open circuit stand times at DOD levels 50% reduce the internal resistance of the lead acid system and provide a corresponding increase in its availability capacity. The discharge capacity and internal resistance of the nickel/iron system are virtually independent of both discharge rate and open circuit stand times during discharge. With pulsed current loads, the available energy and power output of both battery systems are always less than those obtained with equivalent constant current loads due to increased internal power losses. The nickel-iron system exhibits an internal inductance that is significantly greater than that for the lead acid system thereby causing potentially damaging voltage transients. The test procedures and system employed, test data, and methods for predicting battery response are described.