Finite element modeling of lead acid batteries

Abstract

This thesis investigates the finite element method with regard to the macrohomogeneous theory for flooded porous electrochemical cells, more specifically lead-acid cells. One- and two-dimensional finite element models are developed for flooded porous electrochemical lead acid cells. Chapter One introduces the background of the technology of lead-acid batteries, theory fundamentals, previous mathematical models for lead acid batteries, and the reason for the work. Chapter Two develops Newman’s macrohomogeneous equations for flooded porous electrodes. Chapter Three details the finite element theory, and how it is used to solve time dependent coupled non-linear partial differential equations. Chapter Four applies finite element theory to one-dimensional macrohomogeneous equations that describe lead-acid batteries. The results of the model are compared to previously published papers utilising finite difference methods. In Chapter Five, the technique is extend to two-dimensions and is validated with previously published papers of models on lead-acid batteries.