On validation of the modeling of overcharge process in VRLA cells

Advanced battery modeling and simulation provide a unique and powerful tool for understanding battery performance and cycle characteristics. Development in advanced battery simulation capability using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) techniques proved that this approach could have significant impacts on almost every aspect of battery design, characterisation, operation and development. Good predictions from the simulation however strongly rely on careful validation of the numerical model and the parameters used. This paper discusses how experimental validation work was conducted to support the simulation effort in valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA) batteries. Of particular interest is the overcharging regime, where the experimental work is the most difficult and challenging, and the validation is the most needed for careful evaluation of the modeling capability and limitation