Multi-Step Constant Current Charging Strategy for a Valve Regulated Lead-Acid Battery

This study investigates the different multi-step charging profile pattern for the Valve Regulated Lead Acid (VRLA) battery for electric vehicles (EVs). In this work simulation is carried out in MATLAB for multi-step constant current charging with regulation of the battery temperature, terminal voltage and state of charge (SOC) with time. In order to determine the suitable charging profile pattern for fast charging, and extended life of a VRLA battery. On comparing three charging profile pattern, it has been observed that 3-step charging profile by regulating battery terminal voltage and SOC shorten the charging time to 3.24 hrs with energy efficiency of 71%.