Exide Technologies PORTFOLIO PAR20 - Manual (Page 22)

• Individual cell voltages
• Overall string voltage
• Ambient temperature immediately surrounding battery
• Battery temperature at several places throughout the
string. Recommend 1 reading per battery stack. More
data points are recommended for larger batteries and to
check for temperature gradients. Readings on the tray,
cell cover or negative terminal are good places to mea-
sure battery temperature. Take readings away from
HVAC sources.
• Float current measured at stack to stack connections
(optional)
• Ohmic measurements (optional). Baseline ohmic read-
ings of individual cells should be taken 6 months from
the date of initial charge.
• Retorque connectors as part of annual maintenance.
ONCE PER YEAR READINGS ARE THE ABSOLUTE
MINIMUM REQUIRED TO PROTECT WARRANTY. More
frequent readings are recommended, especially for critical
sites. Good record-keeping will prevent minor issues from
escalating into more serious problems over time. See
Figure 22 for a sample record-keeping form.
SECTION 16: TAP CONNECTIONS
16.0 Tap Connections
Tap connections are not to be used on a battery. This can
cause overcharging of the unused cells and undercharging
of those cells supplying the load, thus reducing battery life.
SECTION 17: TEMPORARY NON-USE
17.0 Temporary Non-Use
An installed battery that is expected to stand idle longer
than the maximum storage interval (see Section 4.2),
should be treated as stated below. The maximum storage
interval is 6 months if stored at 25°C, 77°F.
Give the battery an equalizing charge as per Section 14.
Following the equalizing charge, open connections at the bat-
tery terminals to remove charger and load from the battery.
Repeat the above after every 6 months (25°C, 77°F) or at
the required storage interval. See Section 4.2 for adjust-
ments to storage intervals when the storage temperature
exceeds 25°C, 77°F.
To return the battery to normal service, re-connect the bat-
tery to the charger and the load, give an equalizing charge
and return the battery to float operation.
SECTION 18: UNIT CLEANING
18.0 Unit Cleaning
Periodically clean cell covers with a dry 2” paintbrush to
remove accumulated dust. If any cell parts appear to be
damp with electrolyte or show signs of corrosion, contact
your local GNB representative.
SECTION 19: MAINTENANCE
19.0 Connections
Battery terminals and intercell connections should be cor-
rosion free and tight for trouble-free operation. Periodically
these connections should be inspected.
CAUTION: DO NOT WORK ON CONNEC-
TIONS WITH BATTERY CONNECTED TO
CHARGER OR LOAD.
If corrosion is present, disconnect the connector from the
terminal.
Gently clean the affected area using a suede brush or
Scotch Brite scouring pad. Apply a thin coating of NO-OX-
ID “A” grease to the cleaned contact surfaces, reinstall
connectors and retorque connections to 11.3 Newton-
meters (100 inch pounds).
All terminal and intercell connections
should be retorqued at least once every year
to 11.3 Newton-meters (100 inch pounds).
NOTE: Design and/or specifications subject to change
without notice. If questions arise, contact your
local sales representative for clarification.
SECTION 20: CAPACITY TESTING
20.0 Capacity Testing
When a capacity discharge test is desired, it is recom-
mended that it be performed in accordance with IEEE-
1188*, latest revision.
An equalizing charge, as described in Section 14.2, must
be performed within 7 days prior to the capacity test. The
batteries must be returned to float charging immediately
after the equalize charge completes.
After the capacity discharge has completed, the batteries
can be recharged in the shortest amount of time by fol-
lowing the equalize charge procedure described in
Section 14.2.
*IEEE-1188: Recommended Practice for Maintenance,
Testing, and Replacement of Valve-Regulated Lead-Acid
(VRLA) Batteries for Stationary Applications.
CAUTION!
Do not clean plastic parts with solvents,
detergents, oils, mineral spirit or spray
type cleaners as these may cause crazing
or cracking of the plastic materials.
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