Evaluating the Performance and Lifespan of Lead-Acid Batteries in Cold Cranking Applications

Lead-acid batteries (LABs) are widely used in automotive applications due to their low cost, high reliability, and good cold-cranking performance. In this study, we evaluate the performance and lifespan of three different lead-acid battery capacities (i.e., 50 Ah, 70 Ah, and 90 Ah) in cold cranking applications using MATLAB/Simulink software simulation tools. The simulation is based on a 280A load profile for cold cranking a vehicle engine from a 12V battery for five seconds and assumes 30 cranks daily. The study evaluates the battery state of charge (SoC), current, and voltage response during cranking, and the battery lifespan is estimated using a capacity degradation model. Our results show that the 70 Ah battery has the best performance and most extended lifespan, while the 50 Ah battery has the worst and shortest lifespan. The 90 Ah battery performs slightly better than the 70 Ah battery but has a shorter lifespan. These findings provide valuable insights for optimising LAB selection for efficient cold-cranking performance in automotive applications.