A three-dimensional conductivity model for electrodes in lead-acid batteries

• Published in: Journal of power sources Vol. 158; no. 2; pp. 927 - 931
• Main Authors: Edwards, Dean B., Zhang, Song
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Lausanne Elsevier B.V 25-08-2006; Elsevier Sequoia
• Subjects: Additives; Applied sciences; Battery; Direct energy conversion and energy accumulation; Electrical engineering. Electrical power engineering; Electrical power engineering; Electrochemical conversion: primary and secondary batteries, fuel cells; Exact sciences and technology; Lead-acid; Three-dimensional model; Three-dimensional model; Additives; Lead-acid; Battery; Lead acid batteries; Additive; Three dimensional model; Electrical conductivity; Secondary cell; Electrode material; Performance
• ISSN: 0378-7753; 1873-2755
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2005.11.043

In this paper, we develop a three-dimensional conductivity model for the active material in the electrodes of a lead-acid battery. We use the model to investigate the influence that this conductivity has on battery capacity. Previous computer models used for this purpose were two-dimensional. Our three-dimensional model allows electrons to move out of a two-dimensional layer to another layer in order to find conductive pathways to an edge thereby allowing the reaction to occur. By using a number of two-dimensional layers, the actual changes in conductivity taking place in the plates can be more accurately modeled. Because of the many layers of our three-dimensional model, the total number of conductive paths is much greater than the previous two-dimensional models. We extend the two-dimensional models to three-dimensions, and compare the model capacity results with those predicted by the Percolation Theory and Effective Medium Theory. We find that the results of the three-dimensional model closely match the predictions of these theories.