Battery swelling, often caused by overcharging or high temperatures, significantly affects solar battery performance in several ways:
Causes and Performance Impact
- Overcharging: When solar batteries are overcharged, excess energy can lead to the buildup of gases inside the battery, causing it to swell. This swelling is indicative of internal chemical imbalances that can irreversibly damage the cells, leading to reduced efficiency and potential failure.
- High Temperatures: High temperatures can accelerate chemical reactions within the battery, causing gas release and swelling. This environment accelerates degradation and reduces battery lifespan.
- Performance Drop: Swollen batteries may exhibit a significant drop in battery life, as the physical distortion can affect internal connections and reduce the battery’s ability to hold a charge.
- Safety Risks: Swollen batteries are at risk of rupture or explosion, which poses safety hazards.
Failure Modes and Prevention
- Failure Modes: Swollen cells are prone to sudden internal shorts or thermal runaway, even if they don’t heat up initially during charging. Monitoring AC IR, temperature, and fixture pressure can help identify issues before they escalate.
- Prevention Strategies:
- Proper Charging: Avoid overcharging by using high-quality charge controllers and ensuring the BMS functions correctly.
- Temperature Control: Place batteries in well-ventilated areas or use cooling strategies to maintain optimal temperatures.
- Regular Maintenance: Periodically check and calibrate the BMS to ensure optimal performance.
General Advice on Swollen Batteries
While slightly swollen batteries may occasionally be restored through balanced charging and discharging, this is rarely successful and not recommended without professional evaluation. Generally, swollen batteries should be replaced to prevent further complications and safety risks.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-does-battery-swelling-affect-solar-battery-performance/
