6
Placing Battery into Service
Battery voltage, specific gravities of each individual cell as well
as temperature of pilot cell should be taken and recorded prior to
battery being placed on charge. See Battery Maintenance Report
Appendix A
Proper charging is essential for maximum battery life.
A temperature compensated voltage regulated charger is
recommended to be used in renewable energy applications.
When a discharged battery is initially placed on charge,
it draws a current equal or close to the charger’s maximum
output. As the battery’s voltage rises, the charger output should
adjust to the changing voltage to assure a safe,
efficient charging rate during all stages of the charge.
A freshening charge at the absorption charge rate should be
given to a new battery before putting it into service. The bat-
tery should be cool; less than 90°F (32°C), when it’s installed.
The battery should remain in equalize until the specific gravity
shows no change for a three-hour period with readings taken
hourly or a max. of 12 hrs.
Proper maintenance is essential to obtain long life and max-
imum efficiency from any renewable energy battery. Carefully
following a scheduled maintenance routine will help increase
battery performance and prolong service life. Maintain an accu-
rate records system of battery cycles and maintenance/repair
work for each battery. A records system is particularly important
for operations that use a large
number of batteries.
If you don’t already have one, these procedures should help you
create a reliable records system:
1. Assign a code/identification number to each battery / cell.
2. Record the specific gravity, voltage and temperature of each
battery when the battery is first received and equalized, and
before and after each charge.
3. At least once each month, measure and compare the
specific gravity of all the cells. The readings should be uni-
form from cell to cell. If the specific gravity readings fall 20
points (0.20) below the nominal specific gravity reading of
1.265, the electrolyte levels should be checked and brought
up to a uniform level before checking for a second time. If, at
any time, the readings are 20 points (.020) greater than the
nominal specific gravity readings of 1.265, or the range of
the on-charge cell voltage
readings is more than 0.15 volts, the battery could be show-
ing signs of cell failure. Contact your authorized East Penn
Mfg Representative.
4. Remember to accurately record the number of cycles,
specific gravity, temperature and voltage readings; and
all maintenance and repair information for every battery.
Maintenance Report Appendix A is an example of a basic
record-keeping form.
BATTERY MAINTENANCE
Batteries should be inspected periodically to avoid damage result-
ing from previously undetected problems or improper maintenance
and operational procedures.
Look for:
• Corrosion on the battery, terminals or intercell connectors.
• Leaks or damage to the tray.
• Damaged cable leads, terminals or connections.
• Damaged, clogged or missing vent caps.
Repair or replace any damaged parts and thoroughly clean the
battery. In case of serious damage or for major repairs, contact
nearest authorized East Penn representative.
Before taking any specific gravity or voltmeter readings, the
battery should be fully charged. Take specific gravity and voltage
readings for each cell and record the readings on your battery
inspection form. Use the battery’s positive
terminal cell as cell #1 and follow the intercell connectors to the
last cell (the battery’s negative terminal cell). Look for any un-
usual readings that might indicate a problem battery.
Neutralizing Acid and Electrolyte
For cleaning batteries, non-corrosive, water based battery cleaning
products are all that should be used. For user safety and environ-
mental regulatory compliance, the cleaning liquid should contain
no hazardous chemical ingredients. Even some products labeled
“Battery Cleaner” must be avoided because of hazardous ingredi-
ents and damage to batteries and related equipment.
Acid spills are common in battery rooms. When acid spills occur
it is critical to minimize:
1. Health and safety risk to personnel and the environment.
2. Damage to batteries, equipment,
and surrounding surfaces.
3. Time to neutralize, absorb, and clean-up.
4. Disposal costs of waste materials.
5. Regulatory compliance risks and fines.
Neutralizing acid absorbers and spill kits have the perfor-
mance attributes required when dealing with acid spills. The ph
neutral dry and non-hazardous waste is easy to sweep-up and
dispose as non-hazardous waste.
Adding Water/Adjust Electrolyte Levels
Batteries normally lose a certain amount of water due to
evaporation and electrolysis during charging. The electrolyte level
should be maintained at a ¼” below the bottom of the vent well
opening of the cover. It is important not to allow the electrolyte
level in any cell to drop below the top of the moss guard, since low
levels can damage the plates and shorten life.
It is equally important to avoid overfilling the cells, as electro-
lyte will be forced out of the vent caps during charging onto the
top of the battery, causing tray corrosion and reducing battery
capacity.
Only distilled or de-ionized water should be used to water cells
because certain impurities and chemicals found in tap water can
be harmful to batteries. Warranty may be affected if water other
than distilled or de-ionized is used.
To Next Page
Loading...