Optimization of geometrical parameters in a lead-acid battery using response surface method to access of maximum capacity, minimum charge-time and minimum temperature rise

Increasing of capacity in lead-acid batteries and reducing charging time in lower temperature are considered as some main challenges of designers and manufacturers. Geometrical properties of battery plates such as thickness and maximum activated area are some of effective parameters on battery performance. Thus, determining of optimum values for independent variables is an important problem for battery industry. In the present study, a numerical solution code is developed using computational fluid dynamic method to simulate battery behavior. Numbers of 50 runs are suggested using response surface method. For each response one empirical model is extracted as a function of independent variables and from these models the optimization process is done. The results shows that in positive electrode thickness of 0.078 cm, negative electrode thickness of 0.53 cm, separator thickness of 0.04 cm and maximum activated areas for positive and negative electrode of 80 cm-1 is an optimum condition to get maximum capacity, minimum charging time and temperature. A confirmation test is done and it demonstrates that the results are in good agreement to predicted optimum results. In conclusion, the present study shows that by changing geometrical properties of the battery one can improve its performance.