Optimization of charge parameters for lead acid batteries used in photovoltaic systems

The lead acid batteries used in the photovoltaic systems are subjected to penalizing operating conditions. The recharge is usually badly controlled, depending on the weather conditions. This situation induces premature degradations of the electrodes, and consequently, a shorter lifetime. The management of the recharge of the photovoltaic lead acid batteries is a major issue for the optimization of their lifetime. Today, the management strategies are generally based on a voltmetric regulation, and appear unable to guarantee an optimal lifetime. More complex methods of end of recharge seem promising but have not been optimised or validated with comprehensive battery characterization. In this paper the parameters of an advanced management strategy have been studied and our results have proved that it presents real benefit compared to a simple voltmetric management.