Comparative Assessment of Techno-Economic Performance of Battery Energy Storage for Solar Photovoltaic Systems; Sealed Lead-Acid and Nickel-Cadmium Batteries in Sierra Leone, Kenema Municipality

<i>Introduction:</i> This research focuses on the evaluation of battery energy storage systems, specifically examining the techno-economic performance of Sealed Lead-Acid and Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd) batteries in conjunction with Solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems. The research considered factors such as charging efficiency, temperature sensitivity, self-discharge rates, and cycle life, all of which impact the performance and economic viability of these battery types. <i>Objective:</i> The primary objective of this research was to conduct a comparative assessment of the techno-economic performance of Sealed Lead-Acid and Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd) batteries for energy storage within a Solar PV system in Kenema, Sierra Leone. This involves analysing their key characteristics and evaluating their suitability for the specific environmental and operational context. <i>Methods: </i>The research employed a comparative analysis, considering technical specifications, operational parameters (charging/discharging efficiencies, temperature effects, self-discharge rates, cycle life), and potentially, economic factors (initial cost, lifespan, maintenance costs) of both battery types. <i>Result:</i> The results highlighted the performance differences between Sealed Lead-Acid and Nickel-Cadmium batteries, considering the operational factors mentioned in the background. The result will discuss that Sealed Lead-Acid batteries have a typical charging efficiency of 95% compared to the 80% efficiency of Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd) batteries. The research also examined performance under various temperature conditions, as well as the self-discharge rates. The ideal temperature for lead-acid batteries was generally determined to be about 25°C. For every 8–10°C increase in temperature, the useful capacity of lead-acid batteries decreases by roughly 50%. Sealed Lead-Acid batteries have a self-discharge rate of 1-5% per month, whereas Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd) batteries have a self-discharge rate of 20–30% per month. Lead and its compounds make up roughly 65-75% (by weight) of the battery, while sulfuric acid makes up 14–20%. <i>Conclusion:</i> The conclusion provided insights into the relative advantages and disadvantages of each battery type in the context of a Solar PV system in Sierra Leone, considering both the technical and economic aspects. It aimed to provide recommendations based on the comparative assessment, offering guidance for selecting the most appropriate battery technology for such applications.