ABSTRACT
Performance requirements for any battery application can be looked upon as two components: the maximum power required and the maximum energy storage required. Generally, the peak power demand for an automotive battery occurs when the engine is started under cold conditions. New power requirements for lower emissions, higher fuel economy, increased safety, and greater comfort and convenience are forcing the automotive industry to re-examine the question of system voltage. The chapter deals with the effect of the present and future of the automotive electrical system on battery design, weight, volume, and performance. It considers three types of battery chemistry: lead-acid, nickel-metal hydride (NiMH), and lithium ion. The technology is used in lead-acid, nickel-cadmium, and NiMH batteries that are valve regulated. Since the mass of the vehicle can be very high, the charging power available during deceleration can be more than the batteries can accept.
