Investigation of the effects of different frequencies on desulfation of lead acid batteries using IoT based instrumentation system

Lead acid batteries are often preferable in many areas since they are maintenance-free, cost-effective and can reach high current capacities. The necessity of using special and costly methods in recycling of Lead acid batteries brings about environmental and economic problems. One of the common faults in lead acid batteries is sulfation. The solution of this problem will not only extend the life of the batteries, but also contribute to the environment and economy. This problem reflects to the battery as the increase of internal resistance, protracted charging, reduced current capacity and poor performance due to the sulfation of the battery plates. In this study, the solution of sulfation is focused; the effects of voltage pulses at different frequencies on the desulfation of Lead acid batteries are investigated experimentally by using internet of things (IoT) based instrumentation circuits. For this purpose, four batteries, which were sulfated under identical conditions artificially, have been charged by applying voltage pulses at different frequencies and DC voltage, and the changes in the voltage, current, internal resistance and capacity of the batteries have been analyzed graphically. The time for the battery to deliver current to the load decreases naturally when compared to the pre-sulfated situation. This reduction in capacity is very high in the DC-charged battery and relatively low in batteries charged with voltage pulses at different frequencies. Thus, it has been concluded that desulfation with high frequency voltage pulses positively affects a sulfated battery. However, the frequency value to be applied may vary according to the battery parameters. Performing the measurements using uniquely developed interfaces and IoT based instrumentation circuits has enabled remote monitoring and control of all operations. This allows remote intervention to the batteries, preventing overcharging and over-discharging and provides the implementation of the processes under the control of microcontroller as planned before.