Assessment and Investigating Battery Degradation Through Practical Insights

Energy storage has become a global issue and a major challenge in the energy transition towards renewable energies, there is an urgent need for the advancement of technologies aimed at storing these energies effectively to enhance resource management. While lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries have found extensive use in portable devices like computers and cell phones, their application in larger-scale endeavors such as electric vehicles and surplus energy storage faces technological constraints. These limitations stem from the high costs associated with key elements like cobalt and lithium. Additionally, the recycling of Li-ion batteries presents numerous technical and ecological challenges owing to the toxicity of the metals they comprise. Despite their lower energy density, lead-acid batteries offer advantages such as affordability, reliability, and widespread availability. Additionally, they boast easy and complete recyclability, making them a favorable choice. Consequently, lead-acid batteries play a crucial role in solar energy systems, serving as a cornerstone in the design of alternative energy systems. However, the challenge lies in addressing the rapid degradation of their performance when making decisions about their utilization. This article is mainly based on a review of the problems encountered with the batteries used in renewable energy storage systems at the CDER research center and on an assessment of their performance. Visual inspections, measurements, and tests are carried out, such as capacity testing, and internal resistance as a sign of degradation.