Trace Engineering DR Series User Manual

Trace Engineering DR Series Owner’s Manual - Version 3.2 - 9/7/98 - Page 15
Batteries
Batteries come in different sizes, types, amp hours, voltages and chemistries. There are nearly as
many descriptions of exactly how batteries should be charged as there are people willing to offer
explanations. It is not possible here to discuss all aspects in detail. However, there are basic
guidelines you can follow that will help in battery selection and ensure that your batteries are better
maintained than the majority.
Note: The battery manufacturer is the final authority as to the care and application of any battery.
Battery Terminology
A description of battery types and care requires the use of terms with which you may not be familiar.
The following terms will be referred to in the description of battery types, care, and connection.
• Electrolyte- Typically a mixture of water and sulfuric acid, it is commonly referred to as battery
acid.
• Plates- Originally made of lead, they are now made of lead oxide. Plates are the part of the
battery that collect current and are connected to the battery terminals. There are several plates in
each cell, each insulated from the other by separators.
• Sulfating - As a battery discharges, its plates are progressively covered with lead sulfate. During
recharging, the lead sulfate is removed from the plates and recombined with the electrolyte. If the
lead sulfate remains on the plates for an extended period of time (over two months), it hardens,
and recharging will not remove it. This reduces effective plate area and the battery capacity is
diminished.
• Stratification - Over time the batteries’ electrolyte (liquid) tends to separate. The electrolyte at the
top of the battery becomes watery while at the bottom it becomes more acidic. This effect is
corrosive to the plates and reduces battery life.
• Deep Cycle - A deep cycle occurs when a battery has been discharged such that less than 20%
of its capacity remains (80% discharge).
• Temperature Compensation - The optimum full charge voltage is temperature dependent. As
temperature decreases the proper voltage for each charge stage needs to be increased. The
optional temperature probe will automatically re-scale charge voltage settings for ambient
temperature. The compensation slope based on cell voltage is -2.17mv per degree F. per cell.
This also decreases the charge voltage when the battery is hot to reduce gassing.
Selection of Battery Type
Starting Batteries
These are designed for high cranking power, but not deep cycling. Don’t use them. It does not hurt the
inverter - they simply will not last long in a deep cycle application. The way they are rated should give
a good indication of their intended use. - “Cold Cranking Amps”, a measure of the amperage output
that can be sustained for 30 seconds. Starting batteries use a lot of thin plates to maximize the surface
area of the battery. This allows very high starting current but lets the plates warp when the battery is
cycled.
Telephone Company Batteries
Second-hand telephone company batteries are often available at far below original cost. They are
often used to power the telephone system for short power outages. They are sometimes used
successfully in remote home systems. Typically, they are a lead calcium type battery, similar in
construction to a starting battery. Therefore, they should not be repeatedly discharged more than 20%
of their amp-hr rating. Keep this in mind when evaluating their amp/hr to cost ratio.

Trace Engineering DR Series Specifications

General

Brand	Trace Engineering
Model	DR Series
Category	Inverter
Language	English