*3.1. Module Specification*

A valve regulated lead acid battery (VRLA) module with six series-connected cells manufactured by C&D technology, Inc (Horsham, PA, USA), using absorbent glass mat (AGM) technology (model no. SHC 12-200FT), is used for testing. These batteries, also referred to as carbon lead batteries, use lead carbon composite in the active material paste of the negative electrode to reduce irreversible sulfation and improve charge acceptance of the negative plate. The battery has a capacity of 172 Ah when discharged at the C10 or 10-h (h) rate from a fully charged state to 1.8 V per cell at 25 ◦C, where C10 rate is the discharge current at which the battery requires 10 h to reach an end of discharge voltage of 1.8 V from a fully charged state at 25 ◦C. The battery specification sheet [28] provides battery weight (60 kg), dimensions, performance, and cycle life details.
