Other Electrical Battery Parameters

Internal Series Resistance

The internal series resistance of a battery plays a crucial role in determining the maximum discharge current it can deliver. A low internal resistance is essential for applications requiring high instantaneous power output. Moreover, the series resistance also impacts the battery’s overall efficiency, which may change over time as the battery ages.

Self-Discharge

Self-discharge is a phenomenon where a battery discharges itself over time, even when not connected to a load. The rate of self-discharge is influenced by the materials involved in the battery’s chemical reaction and the ambient temperature. Different types of batteries exhibit varying self-discharge rates, affecting their shelf life and usability.

Cold Cranking Current

Cold cranking current refers to the maximum current that a battery can deliver for a short duration. This parameter is particularly important in applications such as automotive vehicles, where the battery needs to provide sufficient power to start a large engine. However, in photovoltaic systems, cold cranking current is typically not a critical factor due to the nature of the energy storage and release in such systems.