Appropriate Battery Technologies for Small Scale Solar Applications

A Two day Training Programme on Appropriate Batteries used for various Applications was organized on 24-25 April 2014 at TERI University, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi. The training programme was organized by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and Regnant Group with the support of Battery Society of India and the Royal Embassy of Norway.

During TERI's experience of implementing clean energy systems under the Norwegian Framework Agreement (NFA) project (Work Package I: Clean Energy Interventions for Livelihood Generation), a need to enhance the skills of grassroots workers on battery testing and management was found. Batteries are important components of decentralized energy systems and have the shortest lifetime, while being most susceptible to early damage due to incorrect use. Going forward, TERI aims to conduct similar workshops with technicians, system operators and designers to ensure batteries are sized, procured and managed in an optimized manner.

The main objective of the training programme was to provide basic theoretical and comprehensive practical hands-on training, so that those involved in choosing, specifying, integrating & maintaining 'Energy Storage Rechargeable Batteries' can make the right choice and get maximum value from their battery investments. The participants got an opportunity to conduct relevant, quick measurements of important battery parameters such as battery capacity, internal resistance etc., they were introduced to battery sizing concepts, were given hands-on experience on battery maintenance and were introduced to alternative battery chemistries.