Document No. 5-0324 Rev G
BATTERY DESCRIPTION
A. Concorde RG
®
Series aircraft batteries are made using valve regulated lead
acid cells. Each cell is sealed with a pressure relief valve that opens when the
internal pressure exceeds the valve’s relief pressure, then re-closes. The positive
and negative plates are sandwiched between layers of glass mat consisting of
glass micro fibers of varying length and diameter. This blend features superior
wicking characteristics and promotes maximum retention of the electrolyte.
Electrolyte is absorbed and held in place by the capillary action between the fluid
and the absorptive glass mat (AGM) fibers. By design, the AGM separator is only
about 90-95% saturated with electrolyte. The void space provides the channels by
which oxygen travels from the positive to the negative plates during charging.
When the oxygen gas reaches the negative plate, it reacts with lead to form lead
oxide and water. This reaction at the negative plate suppresses the generation of
hydrogen that otherwise would come off the negative plate. In this manner,
virtually all of the gas is recombined inside the cell, eliminating the need to add
water, resulting in Amaintenance free@ operation.
B. The pressure relief valve (PRV) is designed to open when the internal pressure
of a cell is approximately 1.5 psi above the external pressure. The PRV prevents
excessive pressure buildup when the battery is being charged, and automatically
reseals once the pressure is released. A slight bulge in the battery container can
appear when the internal pressure increases slightly, but not enough to open the
PRV. Alternatively, if the PRV opens at altitude and the battery is then returned to
the ground, the external pressure can be greater than the internal pressure,
resulting in a concave battery container. Both of these conditions are normal and
do not affect the battery’s operation.
CAUTION: DO NOT REMOVE THE PRESSURE RELIEF VALVES ON AN
RG
®
SERIES BATTERY AND DO NOT ADD WATER OR ELECTROLYTE.
THE RECOMBINANT GAS DESIGN ELIMINATES THE NEED TO
REPLENISH WATER AND ELECTROLYTE. REMOVING THE PRESSURE
RELIEF VALVE VOIDS THE WARRANTY.
C. The RG
®
Series of aircraft batteries consist of 6 or 12 valve regulated lead acid
cells connected in series to make a nominal 12-volt or 24-volt battery, respectively.
The cells are contained in a plastic or metallic container equipped with an electrical
receptacle for mating to the aircraft. In some models, externally mounted
temperature sensors are present that interface to the aircraft charging and/or
electrical system. Some models also include heaters to warm the battery for
operation in extreme cold temperature environments.
D. The RG
®
Series of batteries are designed to be installed upright in the aircraft.
For installation in non-upright orientations, contact Concorde for assistance.
E. Technical characteristics of the various battery models are detailed on
Concorde’s website (www.concordebattery.com). If internet access is not available,
contact Concorde for assistance.