BITE® 2 and BITE 2P
Battery Impedance Test Equipment
BITE® 2 and BITE 2P
Battery Impedance Test Equipment
n
Determines condition of lead-acid and
NiCd cells up to 7000 Ah
n
On-board Pass/Warning/Fail indications
n
Robust, repeatable instruments
n
On-line testing
n
Checks charger condition by measuring
ac ripple current
BITE 2P
BITE 2
DESCRIPTION
The BITE 2 and BITE 2P Battery Impedance Test
Equipment determine the condition of lead-acid and
nickel-cadmium cells up to 7000 Ah. An advanced feature
set has been developed that includes Pass/Warning/
Fail calculations based on a user-entered baseline value,
advanced printing functions and more. The case of the
BITE 2P consists of both the transmitter and a carrying
case for all of the standard accessories and some of the
optional accessories, in an all-in-one unit. The BITE 2 and
its accessories fit into a sturdy canvas case with a shoulder
strap.
The instruments work by applying a test signal across the
battery string while on-line, then calculates impedance
based on simultaneous measurements of current and
resulting voltage drop of each cell/jar. They also measure
dc voltage and interconnection (strap) resistance to help
determine the overall condition of the entire battery string’s
electrical path from terminal plate to terminal plate.
In addition, the BITE 2 and BITE 2P measure ac ripple
current which, if too high and over an extended period of
time, can damage the battery by heating it. (An increase of
battery temperature by 18ºF/10ºC will halve the life of leadacid batteries.) Battery manufacturers generally recommend
a limit of 5A of ac ripple current for every 100 Ah of battery
capacity. The first measurement that the instruments take is
ac ripple current which should be trended.
The BITE 2 and BITE 2P receiver stores the readings in
its internal memory. These measurements, along with
other maintenance data such as ambient and pilot cell
temperatures and ac ripple current, assist in determining
the overall condition of battery systems. Megger
recommends that impedance measurements with the
BITE 2 or BITE 2P be made part of a battery maintenance
program with readings taken and recorded semiannually for
flooded batteries and quarterly for VRLA.
Unlike load cycle testing that involves substantial downtime
and repeated discharges, using the instruments require
no battery discharge, nor do they stress the battery in any
way compared to other techniques. With a test time of
less than 15 seconds for each cell and intercell connector,
one person can easily, quickly, and precisely measure
internal cell impedance, dc terminal voltage and intercell
connection resistance without taking the battery system off
line and evaluate charger condition also.
Naturally, everything you need to perform these tests is
included with the basic instruments. There is a full line of
optional accessories to enhance the capabilities of the BITE
2 and BITE 2P. Both have the ability to download to a PC
for data interpretation and to ProActiv™, Megger’s battery
database management software. Additionally, the BITE 2P
has a built-in printer to review the active test and also to
leave a hard copy record at the site.
Receiver
The battery-operated receiver incorporates the potential
leads, clamp-on current sensor, and data storage
capabilities. It stores more than 2000 sets of data (cell
impedance, cell voltage and interconnecting strap
resistance, date and time stamps) in up to 300 tests. It also
allows for printing the active test for easy review and retest.
Selective printing of any test and deleting oldest tests are
now included features to maintain in memory the most
critical tests.
BITE® 2 and BITE 2P
Battery Impedance Test Equipment
At any time while performing a test, the operator can
review the current test results by using arrow keys and
scrolling back through the active test screen. The operator
can also print the active test using the BITE 2P transmitter
printer. If needed, the operator can retest any of the cells
and straps in the current test. Stored data can also be
downloaded via the RS-232 connector directly to a personal
computer or the BITE 2P transmitter printer.
One additional feature of the receiver is that if you are
called away while in the middle of the test, simply shut
down the instrument and it will remember where you left
off in the test.
The clamp-on current sensor is connected to the receiver
during testing and clamped around a convenient intertier
or intercell connection within the loop created by the
transmitter’s current source leads and the battery string. If
the intercell or intertier connection consists of more cables
than the diameter of the clamp-on current sensor can
encompass, the receiver has a split-strap function.
There are optional RopeCTsTM available for large buss work.
With the optional bar-code wand, additional information
such as location ID, user ID, ambient and pilot cell
temperatures can be recorded and stored. There is space
on the printout to enter specific gravity readings.
Battery Analysis Report
Location ID:
User ID: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Notes: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Ambient Temp: Pilot Temp:
Ripple Current: .01A Test AC Current: 9.8 A
Multiplier: 1 B/W/F: 11.00 mW/20%/40%
Cell Sp.Gr. Zb mW P/W/F % RS mW Volts DC Time
001 12.09 P 09 0.412 13.52 11:13
002 12.22 P 11 0.407 13.34 11:14
003 14.02 W 27 0.405 13.59 11:14
004 14.54 W 32 0.403 13.48 11:15
005 12.60 P 14 0.042 13.27 11:16
006 12.09 P 09 0.405 13.38 11:17
Minimum Average Maximum
12.09 12.93 14.54
-10 0 10 20 30
001
002
003
004
005
006
Figure 1. Sample battery analysis report
05-SEP-2000
Cell Impedance Summary
Percent Deviation from Average
Transmitter
The transmitter provides the capacitively coupled ac test
signal to avoid transients on the dc buss and applies it to
the cells under test via the source leads. Both the BITE 2
and BITE 2P transmitters have an LCD and built-in receiver
charger, while the BITE 2P transmitter features a built-in
printer.
Data, measured and stored in the receiver can be exported
to a PC. It can also be printed to the BITE 2P transmitter
printer where it can be reviewed. Figure 1 shows a sample
printout of a full battery analysis report.
APPLICATIONS
A battery’s internal impedance increases with decreasing
capacity due to various conditions such as age, ambient
temperature, discharge history, etc. See Figure 2. Both the
BITE 2 and BITE 2P measure impedance values and dc
voltage for lead-acid and nickel-cadmium cells up to 7000
Ah capacity.
Impedance finds electrical path problems due to plate
sulphation, post-seal corrosion, dry-out, and poor intracell
and intercell connections. This information lets the operator
determine maintenance needs such as:
n
Cell replacement criteria based on impedance trends.
n
Jumpering out a cell or two.
n
Clean and/or retorque intercell connectors.
n
Shorten the maintenance interval, etc.
Typical installations that can be tested using the BITE 2
and BITE 2P include:
n
Electrical power generation plants.
n
Substations: utility, railroad, industrial
n
Telecommunications facilities: CO, Wireline, Wireless,
MTSO
n
UPS systems
n
Railroad: Signals and Communications, substation
n
Aircraft power supplies
n
Marine, military
FEATURES AND BENEFITS
n
On-line testing requiring no downtime.
n
Enhanced printing and memory functions.
n
Calculates impedance automatically and stores results
for on-site review.
n
Requires no battery discharge.
n
Receiver has an RS-232 connector for downloading stored
data to a personal computer.
n
Reduced test time: less than 15 seconds for each cell.
n
Measures impedance and dc voltage values for all lead-acid
and nickel-cadmium cells up to 7000 Ah.
n
Stores more than 2000 sets of readings in up to
300 tests.
n
Checks charger condition by measuring ac ripple current.
Test Procedure
Circuit
The BITE 2 and BITE 2P work by applying a capacitively
coupled ac test signal across the battery string while online. The receiver and potential probe are placed at the cell
terminals to measure the signal and resulting voltage drop
for each cell/jar. During each measurement, impedance is
calculated following Ohm’s Law, displayed on the LCD and
stored. The instruments also measure, display and record
dc voltage and interconnection (strap) resistance to help
determine the overall condition of the entire battery string’s
electrical path from terminal plate to terminal plate. The
also measure ac ripple current, a charger parameter.
The BITE 2 and BITE 2P receiver stores the readings in
its internal memory. These measurements, along with
other maintenance data such as ambient and pilot cell
temperatures and ac ripple current, assist in determining
the overall condition of battery systems. Figure 3 shows a
typical test setup.
BITE® 2 and BITE 2P
Battery Impedance Test Equipment
Figure 2. Impedance increases with battery age (and weakness)
Interpretation of Readings
Data produced by the BITE 2 and BITE 2P can be
interpreted in several modes: instantaneous, short-term and
long-term time frames. An impedance distribution plot, as
shown in Figure 4, assists in the analysis.
Instantaneous Interpretation
The operator can enter a baseline value from either the
impedance measurements obtained at commissioning
or from the Megger website. The percent changes from
baseline for warning and fail levels are entered, but 20
percent and 40 percent are the default settings. The LCD
on the receiver will display the status of the cell for a few
seconds before proceeding to the next cell. The status of
each cell/jar will be printed on the Battery Analysis Report.
Short-Term Interpretation
Impedance readings for individual cells can be used in
the short term to compare with the average impedance
readings for the entire battery string. Individual cell values
with deviations of more than ±15% for flooded lead-acid,
±35% for VRLA, and 50% for NiCd cells from the battery
string average typically indicate a problem with that cell.
Megger recommends additional investigation of such cells
including a verification of intercell connections and a single
cell load-cycle test.
Long-Term Interpretation
Impedance readings for the entire battery can be used in
the long term to determine replacement criteria. Battery
cell impedance values should be recorded and compared
to previous readings to determine the position of the cell
on the curve of impedance versus cell life as shown in
Figure 2. Based on experience, a variation of ±20% from
baseline for flooded lead-acid, ±40% for VRLA and 50%
for NiCd cells indicate significant change in the electrical
path to warrant serious evaluation of the condition of the
battery system. Megger maintains a database of impedance
values by some manufacturers and battery size/type. For
comparison purposes, this information is available upon
request.
STRAP
CURRENT SOURCE
LEAD
CELL
RED
TRANSMITTER
LINE
VOLTAGE
CURRENT SOURCE
LEAD
BLACK
“CT”
Located
in Battery
Figure 3. A typical test setup
Figure 4. Ascending impedance compared to load test
SPECIFICATIONS
Application
The BITE 2 and BITE 2P test lead-acid and nickel-cadmium cells
up to 7000 Ah.
Maximum Total Voltage at Current Source Leads
275 V dc (larger battery systems can be sectioned to accommodate
this specification)
Transmitter
Supply Voltage
100 to 130 V, 50/60 Hz, 200 VA max
210 to 250 V, 50/60 Hz, 200 VA max
Source Output Current
10 A nominal, 50/60 Hz operation
BITE® 2 and BITE 2P
Battery Impedance Test Equipment
Maximum Battery String Test Voltage
275 V dc at source lead terminals (section the battery if >275 Vdc)
Display
Digital LCD meter, 0 to 15 A
BITE 2P Printer
Built-in thermal, with 4.25 in. (110 mm) printing width
Charger
Supply Voltage
100 to 130 V, 50/60 Hz, 14 VA
210 to 250 V, 50/60 Hz, 14 VA
Output
6.50 V dc @ 1.10 A dc charging (max)
9.60 V dc open circuit
Receiver
Accuracy
ac impedance 5% +1 LSD
dc voltage ±(0.5% of rdg +1 LSD)
Precision
Better than 0.5% one sigma
Voltage Range and Resolution
1 to 2.500 V dc, 1 mV resolution
2.5 to 25.00 V dc, 10 mV resolution
Impedance Range and Resolution
0 to 1.000 mΩ, 1µΩ resolution
1 to 10.00 mΩ, 10µΩ resolution
10 to 100.0 mΩ, 0.1mΩ resolution
Setting Time per Reading
3 seconds maximum
Display
LCD, 2 x 16 characters
ORDERING INFORMATION
Supply
4.8 V dc, 800 mAh, quick charge nickel-cadmium battery pack
Battery Pack Life, Full Charge
5 hours continuous
Maximum Cell/Jar Test Voltage
25 V dc between receiver and potential probe
Temperature
Operating: 32 to 105° F (0 to 40° C)
Storage: -5 to 130° F (-20 to 55° C)
Humidity: 20 to 90% RH, noncondensing
Clamp Range
Standard CT
2.0 in. (50 mm) maximum opening
Optional Miniature CT
0.5 in. (12 mm) maximum opening
Optional RopeCT
TM
12 in. (300 mm) opening, approx.
Standards
Conforms to the EMC Directive 2004/108/EC and the
LVD Directive 2006/95/EC
Dimensions
Transmitter
BITE 2: 6.5 H x 14 W x 10.6 D in. (16.5 H x 35.6 W x 27 D cm)
BITE 2P: 7.5 H x 18.5 W x 14.6 D in. (19 H x 47 W x 37 D cm)
Receiver (irregular shape)
7.25 H x 11.25 W x 2 D in. (18 H x 29 W x 5 D cm)
Weight
Transmitter
BITE 2: 17 lb (7.7 kg)
BITE 2P: 18 lb (8.2 kg) alone, 32 lb (14.5 kg) packed
Receiver
1.6 lb (0.7 kg)
Item (Qty) Cat. No.
BITE 2, 110/230 V ac, 50/60 Hz, CE-Marked 246002B
BITE 2P, 110/230 V ac, 50/60 Hz, CE-Marked 246004
Included Accessories
Transmitter for BITE2 P30044-300
Transmitter for BITE2P P30044-100
Receiver P30620-3
Source Leads, 20 ft (6 m), fused 29386-2
Current sensor, 2 in. (50 mm) opening
with 5 ft (1.5 m) lead 33863
CT extension cable, 20 ft (6 m) 33864-2
Communication cable, 6 ft (1.8 m) 35340
Charger cable 35341
Thermal paper 26999
ProActiv™ Battery Database Mgt Software BI-90001
ac line cord, 8 ft (2.5 m) 17032-7
UK
Archcliffe Road, Dover
CT17 9EN England
T +44 (0) 1 304 502101
F +44 (0) 1 304 207342
UKsales@megger.com
UNITED STATES
4271 Bronze Way
Dallas, TX 75237-1019 USA
T 1 800 723 2861 (USA only)
T +1 214 333 3201
F +1 214 331 7399
USsales@megger.com
Item (Qty) Cat. No.
Canvas carrying case for BITE2 218746
Manual for BITE2 and BITE2P AVTM246004
Accessory bag for BITE2 29996
Optional Accessories
Current sensor 0.5 in. (12 mm) opening
with 2.5 ft (0.8 m) lead 246034
Current sensor, RopeCTTM 24 in. (60 cm) length 246050
Current sensor, RopeCTTM 36 in. (90 cm) length 246051
CT extension cable, 20 ft (6 m) 246033
Current source leads, 10 ft (3 m), fused 246147
Current source leads, 30 ft (9.1 m), fused 246347
Current source leads, 40 ft (12.2 m), fused 246447
Bar code wand with preprinted code sheet 246201
Transit case for BITE2 35491
OTHER TECHNICAL SALES OFFICES
Valley Forge USA, College Station
USA, Sydney AUSTRALIA, Täby
SWEDEN, Ontario CANADA, Trappes
FRANCE, Oberursel GERMANY, Aargau
SWITZERLAND, Kingdom of BAHRAIN,
Mumbai INDIA, Johannesburg SOUTH
AFRICA, and Chonburi THAILAND
ISO STATEMENT
Registered to ISO 9001:2000 Cert. no. 10006.01
BITE2_2P_DS_en_V17
www.megger.com
Megger is a registered trademark
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