Saft SNH - User Manual

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Single cell range

Nickel-Cadmium batteries

Type SNH, SNM, SNL

Installation and operating

instructions

Important recommendations

Never allow a flame or fire to come near the battery. The electrolyte is harmful to

skin and to eyes in particular. In the event of contact with skin or eyes, wash

immediately with running water. If eyes are affected, flood with water and obtain

immediate medical attention. Wear goggles and gloves when handling electrolyte

and cells. Never use sulphuric acid or acidified water (pH lower than 5) to top-up

electrolyte as acid can destroy the battery. Use tools with insulated handles.

1. Receiving the shipment

Unpack the battery immediately upon

arrival. Do not overturn the package.

Transport seals are located under the

cover of the vent plug.

■ If the battery is shipped filled,

remove immediately the plastic

transport seals if used. The battery is

then ready for installation.

■ If the battery is shipped discharged

and empty, do not remove the plastic

transport seals until ready to fill the

battery.

The battery must never be charged

with the plastic transport seal in place

as this can cause permanent damage.

2. Storage

Store the battery indoors in a dry and

clean location.

■ A fully discharged, drained battery

with its plastic transport seal can be

stored for many years.

■ A filled battery can be stored for a

maximum of 1 year.

It shall initially be fully charged.

3. Installation

3.1. Location

Install the battery in a dry and clean

room. Avoid direct sunlight, strong

daylight and heat.

The battery will give the best

perfomance and maximum service

life when the ambiant temperature is

between 10°C to 35°C.

3.2. Ventilation

During the last part of high-rate

charging, the battery is emitting

gases (oxygen-hydrogen mixture).

At normal float-charge the gas

evolution is very small but some

ventilation is necessary.

Note that special regulations for

ventilation may be valid in your

area depending on the application.

3.3. Mounting

Verify that cells are correctly

interconnected with the appropriate

polarity. The battery connection to load

should be with nickel plated cable lugs.

Recommended torques for connecting

screws are:

• M 6 = 11 ± 1.1 N.m

• M 8 = 20 ± 2 N.m

• M 10 = 30 ± 3 N.m

The connectors and terminal screws

should be corrosion-protected by

coating with a thin layer of neutral

vaseline or anti-corrosion oil.

Remove the transport seals and close

the vent plug.

3.4. Electrolyte / cell oil

The electrolyte to be used is: E22.

❑ Cells delivered filled:

Check the level of electrolyte. The cells

must have a level of electrolyte above

the plates. If it is not the case, adjust

the level of electrolyte to 5 mm above

the plate tops with distilled water.

Cells delivered filled have already

the cell oil in place.

❑ Cells delivered empty:

Fill empty cells to 5 mm above the

plate tops with electrolyte.

Then add the oil with the syringe,

according to the quantity indicated in

the table.

4. Commissioning charge

A good commissioning charge is

important.

Charge at constant current is

preferable.

4.1. Cells stored less than 1 year filled:

Charge 15 h at 0.2 C

A (see value of

0.2 C

A in the table). If necessary wait

at least 4 hours after end of charge and

adjust the level to the high level mark by

adding distilled or dionized water.

4.2. Cells which have been filled from

discharged and empty:

Charge 15 h at 0.2 C

A. Discharge to

1.0 V/cell ; charge 10 h at 0.2 C

(see value of 0.2 C

A in the table). If

necessary wait at least 4 hours after

end of charge and adjust the level to

the high level mark by adding

electrolyte.

When it is not possible to charge at

constant current, the charge may be

done with constant voltage:

20 to 30 h at 1.65 V/cell, if the

current limit is approximately the same

as in the table. If it is lower, charge

for longer time.

When the charger maximum voltage

setting is too low to supply constant

current charging, divide the battery into

two parts to be charged individually.

The battery can now be put in service.

It is not recommended to store cells for

more than 1 year. However, should

this be unavoidable, please follow

instructions 4.2 adding distilled or

dionized water instead of electrolyte.

Edition June 1999

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Summary

Installation

Location

Install battery in a dry, clean room, avoiding direct sunlight and heat. Optimal ambient temp 10-35°C.

Ventilation

Battery emits gases during high-rate charging. Some ventilation is necessary, follow local regulations.

Mounting

Verify cell polarity, use nickel plated lugs. Recommended torques and corrosion protection for connections.

Electrolyte; cell oil

Check electrolyte level (5mm above plates). Use distilled water for topping up. Cells delivered filled have oil.

Commissioning charge

Cells stored less than 1 year filled

Charge 15h at 0.2 C5A. Adjust electrolyte level to high mark after 4 hours.

Cells filled from discharged and empty

Charge 15h at 0.2 C5A, discharge to 1.0V/cell, then charge 10h at 0.2 C5A.

Charging in service

Continuous parallel operation

For continuous parallel operation with occasional discharge. Recommended charging voltage varies by cell type.

Buffer operation

For buffer operation where load exceeds charger rating. Recommended charging voltage is 1.50-1.60 V/cell.

Discontinuous operation

For short heavy-current discharges. Charge 8h at table current or 15h at 1.65 V/cell.

Periodic Maintenance

Cleaning

Keep battery clean using only water. Do not use wire brushes or solvents. Rinse vent caps in clean water.

Electrolyte level

Check electrolyte level regularly, never below lower mark. Use distilled/deionized water for topping up.

Connections

Check connectors are tight annually. Apply neutral vaseline or anti-corrosion oil for protection.

Charging voltage check

Check charging voltage annually, especially in parallel operation. High water consumption may signal charger issues.

This document provides installation and operating instructions for Saft Nickel-Cadmium batteries, specifically types SNH, SNM, and SNL, which are part of the Advanced and Industrial Battery Group.

Function Description

These batteries are designed for various applications, including continuous parallel operation with occasional discharge, buffer operation where the load exceeds the charger rating, and discontinuous operation with short heavy-current or shallow discharges. They are intended to provide reliable power in stationary battery applications.

Important Technical Specifications

The batteries use E22 electrolyte for initial filling and E13 for replacement if the electrolyte becomes carbonated. The recommended ambient temperature for optimal performance and service life is between 10°C and 35°C.

Charging Specifications:

Commissioning Charge (Cells stored less than 1 year filled): Charge for 15 hours at 0.2 C5A.
Commissioning Charge (Cells filled from discharged and empty): Charge for 15 hours at 0.2 C5A, then discharge to 1.0 V/cell, and recharge for 10 hours at 0.2 C5A.
Constant Voltage Commissioning Charge (if constant current is not possible): 20 to 30 hours at 1.65 V/cell, provided the current limit is approximately the same as specified in the table. If the current limit is lower, charge for a longer time.
Continuous Parallel Operation:
- Two-level charge: Float level of 1.42 V/cell for SNL, and 1.40 V/cell for SNH and SNM. High level of 1.47-1.70 V/cell for SNL, and 1.45-1.70 V/cell for SNH and SNM.
- Single-level charge: 1.43-1.50 V/cell.
Buffer Operation: 1.50-1.60 V/cell.
Discontinuous Operation: 8 hours with the current specified in the table or 15 hours at 1.65 V/cell.

Mounting Torque Specifications:

M6 screws: 11 ± 1.1 N.m
M8 screws: 20 ± 2 N.m
M10 screws: 30 ± 3 N.m

Electrolyte Level:

For filled cells, the electrolyte level should be 5 mm above the plate tops.
For empty cells, fill to 5 mm above the plate tops with electrolyte, then add cell oil using a syringe according to the quantity indicated in the table.

Storage:

Fully discharged, drained batteries with plastic transport seals can be stored for many years.
Filled batteries can be stored for a maximum of 1 year, provided they are fully charged initially.

Usage Features

Receiving the Shipment:

Unpack immediately upon arrival, ensuring the package is not overturned.
If shipped filled, remove plastic transport seals immediately.
If shipped discharged and empty, do not remove plastic transport seals until ready to fill. Charging with seals in place can cause permanent damage.

Installation:

Install in a dry, clean room, avoiding direct sunlight, strong daylight, and heat.
Ensure proper ventilation, as the battery emits gases (oxygen-hydrogen mixture) during high-rate charging. Special regulations for ventilation may apply depending on the application.
Verify correct cell interconnection with appropriate polarity.
Use nickel-plated cable lugs for battery connections to the load.
Corrosion-protect connectors and terminal screws with a thin layer of neutral vaseline or anti-corrosion oil.
Remove transport seals and close the vent plug after installation.

Commissioning:

A good commissioning charge is crucial, with constant current charging being preferable.
After charging, if necessary, wait at least 4 hours and adjust the electrolyte level to the high level mark using distilled or deionized water (for filled cells) or electrolyte (for discharged/empty cells).
If the charger's maximum voltage is too low for constant current charging, the battery can be divided into two parts and charged individually.

Maintenance Features

Periodic Maintenance:

Keep the battery clean using only water; avoid wire brushes or solvents. Vent caps can be rinsed in clean water.
Check the electrolyte level regularly, ensuring it never falls below the lower mark. Top up with distilled or deionized water only.
Check all connectors for tightness at least once yearly.
Corrosion-protect connectors and terminal screws with neutral vaseline or anti-corrosion oil.
Check the charging voltage at least once yearly, especially in parallel operation, to ensure it remains unchanged. High water consumption often indicates improper charger voltage settings.

Changing Electrolyte:

In most cases, the electrolyte remains effective for the battery's life.
However, if the electrolyte becomes carbonated due to special operating conditions, performance can be restored by replacing it.
The replacement electrolyte type for these cells is E13. Refer to "Electrolyte Instructions" for the procedure.