Analysis of the state of charge of the battery based on the density of the electrolyte

Abstract

The battery is a secondary cell better known as an accumulator, whose operating principle is the reversible transformation of energy between chemical and electrical, for this, oxidation-reduction reactions are generated in its components mainly: sulfuric acid and lead. The purpose of the study was to determine the state of charge of the battery based on the analysis of the electrolyte density using a refractometer and a multimeter. Sampling was carried out at 30-day time intervals in order to determine the evolution of the charge-discharge process and interpret how the change in electrolyte density influences the useful life of the battery. 3 test objects were used in order to find a pattern in the analyzed process. The population benefiting from the project are the students and teachers of the Automotive Mechanics career of the Tungurahua Higher Technological Institute. The results obtained in the study period of 120 days showed that the three batteries present a decrease in their density on average of 0.01 kg/l, when relating these data with the charging voltage, it is verified that the voltage is reduced by a average of 0.20 V. In conclusion, after comparing the data obtained, it is evident that the useful life of the battery decreases, but it was detected that there are some variables such as temperature, startup time that can considerably affect the results.