Life cycle analysis and recycling techniques of batteries used in renewable energy applications

Batteries are increasingly being used as a primary power source and for energy recovery and storage in renewable energy systems such as photovoltaic (solar cell) applications, wind energy and hybrid and battery electric vehicles. This paper aims to analyze the life cycles of lead acid, lithium-ion and nickel-metal hydride batteries in their applications and also some methods that may be used to safely recycle or dispose the batteries after they have been used.