The connection hardware may loosen somewhat
with time and repeated cycling of the battery system.
The connection hardware should be retorqued to
the value indicated for the battery part number
as shown on the relevant data sheet. A summary
of the battery terminal types and the recommended
torque values is given in Table 2.
Performance and Capacity Testing
When the battery degrades to 80% of its rating it
should be replaced. That is, if a battery system
could support 100 amperes for 1 hour when new,
it should be replaced when it can only support 80
amperes for the same 1 hour period. If 100
amperes is the actual load and this must be
supported for a minimum of one hour, the battery
should have been originally sized to provide 125
amperes for the one hour when new. This sizing
factor of 1.25 is referred to as the aging factor
when originally sizing the battery.
When the battery capacity declines to 80% of
rating is it an indication that the plate grids are
corroded and expanded; that the plate active
material has deteriated and that the drying of the
electrolyte has occurred. The battery should be
removed from service and replaced at this time.
Naturally, the other criteria for battery replacement
is when it no longer supports the load for the
minimum required time-even if the battery is still
greater than 80% of rating. However, even at
minimal load, the battery should not remain in
service beyond that point when it is at 80%
of rating.
The 10 Year VRLA batteries are rated at 77°F
(25°C). It is important to recognize that operation
at lower temperatures, while it does not harm the
battery, will reduce the operating time. Performance
derating factors for reduced temperature are
found in the Technical Bulletin “Capacity Testing”
#41-7135.
Continuous operation at elevated temperatures
will result in accelerated aging of the battery.
For each 18° (10°C) above 77°F (25°C) the
battery will age at twice the normal rate. Additional
information on this topic is found in the Technical
Bulletin "Life Expectancy and Temperature"
#41-7329.
Summary of Periodic Maintenance
for VRLA Batteries
The 10 Year VRLA battery is maintenance free
only as related to the electrolyte. For assurance of
the battery reliability it is still important to perform
the recommended periodic maintenance. The
recommended periodic maintenance, whether
performed manually or via automated monitoring
systems, is designed to determine the gradual
degradation of the system capacity and to detect
any abnormal system or individual battery
condition which could impact system reliability.
41-7546/0213/CD 11 www.cdtechno.com
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