Reuse Legacy to Repower the Microgrids–An Affordable Solution for Test and Restoration of Repurposed Lead Acid Batteries

Abstract

Initial cost is an important consideration as many problems raised by the insufficient battery capacity had eventually resulted in microgrid failure. The trending use of expensive, but more efficient and maintenance free lithium-ion batteries in millions of light vehicles such as golf carts will decommission a large amount of existing lead acid batteries to be used for electrification purposes at much lower cost. These used batteries in their second life can significantly reduce the storage cost of electrification in off-grid systems or in the most demanding business activities such as powering vendor hand-carts and community shops. Though, the used batteries are sold at cheaper price, they still require costly equipment and time consuming tests to evaluate if and for how long they can be repurposed. This paper is prepared to propose a rapid, low cost, and bulk test procedure for lead acid battery characterization, capacity measurements, and restoration without any of their known history or datasheet using deep cycling process. Parameters are suggested to help in remaining life identification and to qualify these batteries for grouping in power packs based on their health and capacity. Finally, a process to review test results and make appropriate decisions regarding the battery reuse or recycling is provided.