C&D Technologies TEL Series

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Overview

Function Description
Important Technical Specifications
Usage Features
Maintenance Features

This document outlines the installation and operating procedures for C&D Technologies TRUE Front Access TEL Series Batteries, which are Valve Regulated Lead Acid (VRLA) batteries designed for minimal maintenance.

Function Description:

The TEL Series batteries utilize an oxygen recombination cycle to minimize gassing and eliminate electrolyte maintenance. The dilute sulfuric acid electrolyte is immobilized by absorbent glass mat (AGM) separators. Each 12-volt battery unit consists of two 6-cell units, with each cell having a unique self-resealing one-way valve to relieve excess pressure during overcharging. These batteries are typically used in telecommunications applications, where four 12-volt units are connected in series to form a 48VDC battery system, or two 12-volt units for a 24VDC application. Multiple strings can be connected in parallel to increase total capacity.

Important Technical Specifications:

Battery Type: Valve Regulated Lead Acid (VRLA) with Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) separators.
Cell Voltage: Each cell is 2 VDC.
Unit Voltage: Each battery unit is 12 VDC (comprising six 2 VDC cells).
Typical System Voltages: 24VDC (two 12V units in series) or 48VDC (four 12V units in series).
Open Circuit Voltage (OCV): Shipped fully charged, OCV should not be below 12.48 volts per 12-volt unit.
Float Voltage: 2.25 to 2.30 volts per cell average (approximately 13.5 to 13.8 volts/unit average for 12-volt units at 77°F). Temperature compensated charging may be needed for temperatures other than 77°F (25°C).
Freshening Charge: Recommended at 2.4 volts average per cell for 24 hours if OCVs are below 12.48 volts, or if stored for over 6 months at 77°F, or for strings greater than 24 cells.
Terminal Hardware Sizes:
- M8 (13mm socket) for TEL12-105FNS/FNSG, TEL12-155F/FG, TEL12-170F/FG, TEL12-190F/FG, TEL12-210F/FG models.
- M6 (10mm socket) for TEL12-115FN/FNG, TEL12-145FW models.
- 1/4-20 (7/16" socket) for TEL12-160F, TEL12-160FW, TEL12-180F, TEL12-210Fa models.
Initial Torque Values:
- 160 in-lbs (18 N-m) for M8 hardware.
- 110 in-lbs (12.4N-m) for M6 and 1/4-20 hardware.
Maintenance Torque Values: Same as initial torque values.
Spacing: Minimum 0.5" between individual battery units.
Gas Collection System (Optional): Available for models with 'G' suffix (e.g., TEL12-105FNSG), utilizing 6mm or ¼” ID PVC tubing to direct hydrogen and oxygen gases to a specific cabinet exit.

Usage Features:

Front Access Design: Facilitates easier installation and maintenance.
Modular Design: Individual 12-volt units can be connected in series for higher voltage systems (e.g., 24VDC, 48VDC) or in parallel for increased capacity.
Self-Resealing Valves: Each cell has a unique valve to relieve excess pressure, enhancing safety and reliability.
Gas Collection (Optional): Specific models offer a gas collection system to vent gases outside sealed cabinets, improving safety in contained environments. This system uses short tubes to daisy-chain between batteries and a final tube to the cabinet exit. It's crucial not to plug both battery ports, as this prevents venting and creates an unsafe condition.
Heavy Units: Batteries are typically over 100 pounds each, requiring proper lifting and moving arrangements.
Warranty Date Code: Located on the front panel of the battery as a four-digit number (MM-YY).

Maintenance Features:

Minimal Maintenance: VRLA design reduces the need for electrolyte maintenance.
Initial Installation Data Recording: Important data to maintain on site includes:
- Date and initial OCV.
- Freshening charge records (if performed).
- Initial torque values for connections.
- Overall system float voltage.
- Individual unit float voltage.
- Internal Ohmic value of each unit.
- Connection resistances.
- Float current.
Quarterly Inspection:
- Measure and record total float charging voltage at battery terminals.
- Record charger output current and voltage.
- Record ambient temperature and ventilation equipment condition.
- Visually inspect batteries and rack for general appearance, cleanliness, or irregularities.
- If gas tubing is used, check for obstructions.
Semiannual Inspection:
- Repeat quarterly checks.
- Record on-charge voltage of each unit.
- Optionally perform and record Ohmic checks for trending purposes.
Yearly and Initial Inspection:
- Repeat semiannual checks.
- Inspect all connections for integrity.
Safety Precautions: Emphasizes the importance of insulated tools, eye protection, rubber gloves, and proper handling of lead-acid batteries due to electrical shock, short circuit current, and chemical hazards (dilute sulfuric acid). Disposal must comply with Federal, State, and local regulations. Batteries can contain an explosive mixture of hydrogen gas, so smoking and sparks should be avoided, and adequate ventilation is required. Do not remove vents or add water, as this voids the warranty.
Cleaning: Battery terminals and contact surfaces should be neutralized, cleaned with a brass bristle brush or scotch brite pad, and lightly coated with protective No-Ox-Id terminal grease prior to connection.