Characterization of Evertroll nickel-zinc batteries

Abstract

This paper describes the performance of nickel zinc batteries and their suitability for use in electric vehicles. The goals of the evaluation were to find: the ratings of the battery at different temperatures (-20, 0, +20 and +40/spl deg/C); determine the suitability for using this battery in an electric vehicle; and compare the results of different battery discharge algorithms, i.e., constant current, constant power and realistic load (described herein). Testing was done at the Battery Evaluation Lab at UML, which is described herein. The battery parameters measured were terminal voltage, current, case temperature and ambient air temperature. Results of the experiments are as follows: the manufacturer's capacity ratings were confirmed (i.e., 85 A-h); the battery is found to be suitable for use in EVs with superior specific energy and the battery has higher energy capacity at higher temperatures while the charging efficiency is higher at lower temperatures.