Systematic reconditioning maintenance kit for gel-type lead-acid batteries in a photovoltaic (PV) system in Bacolor, Pampanga

Lead-acid batteries remain indispensable in energy storage systems due to their affordability and reliability, particularly for off-grid photovoltaic (PV) applications. However, the identified unused gel-type lead-acid batteries within the PV system at Don Honorio Ventura State University (DHVSU) face challenges with operations by the reason of degradation over extended periods without maintenance. This paper developed a methodical process of reconditioning maintenance kit to track and recover the usefulness of unused batteries. Sixteen (16) unused gel type lead-acid batteries were checked to determine State-of-Charge (SoC), capacity and internal resistance. The reconditioning process extended to cleaning and desulfation by way of controlled, slow recharging which achieved periodic load testing of the batteries within the 368-watt aquarium to put the batteries through a high-load environment. To make sure that it works, a series of minimal load testing was also performed, with two 15-watt LED bulbs and a 12-watt electric fan. The findings indicate that although a number of batteries were in useable condition upon applying the reconditioning kit, others were irreversibly damaged due to the long period of neglect and low maintenance of the batteries. A maintenance kit was created to highlight the tools and procedures required in a systematic, feasible and safe methodology of managing batteries in photovoltaic (PV) systems. This undertaking facilitates sustainability in the use of energy as it minimizes the waste of energy and optimizes the life cycle of the available energy.