C
OMMISSIONING CHARGE
When commissioning a new battery (first
charge), follow procedure a) or b).
Procedure a) is recommended.
a
) IU method (boost charge):
A
t a raised voltage of 2.33 – 2.40 Vpc. The
charging time will be 12 to 24 hours depending on the initial charge condition. The current must be limited to 4 x I
1
0
.
Boost charging must be switched off or switched over to float charging as soon as the
fully charged state is reached.
b
) Float charge:
With a voltage of 2.25 Vpc. Full capacity will
b
e obtained after a longer period of 4 to 6
weeks depending on state of charge.
STANDBY OPERATION /FLOAT
CHARGE
Float Voltage
The recommended float / charge voltage
is 2.25 V per cell at 20°C (tolerance 2.23 –
2.25 Vpc). The charger voltage amounts to
2.25 Vpc x no. of cells. If the average ambient
temperature deviates more than ± 10°C
from the reference temperature of 20°C, it is
recommended to adjust the float voltage to
the following temperature compensation
curve:
Temperature Float voltage
-10 °C 2,37 Vpc
0 °C 2,33 Vpc
10 °C 2,29 Vpc
20 °C 2,25 Vpc
30 °C 2,23 Vpc
40 °C 2,21 Vpc
In case that the average temperature
deviates less than ±5°C, no temperature
compensation has to be applied.
The recommended float charge voltage is
2.25 volts per cell at 20°C. Following a
commission charge and after 6 months
continuous charge at the recommended
float voltage, individual cell voltages will
stabilise within ±4.5% of the mean applied
voltage.
However, immediately following commissioning and for the initial 6 months of
continuous float charge, individual cell
voltage values outside the above tolerance
may be observed without adverse efect.
There is no relationship between a cell’s float
voltage and its discharge capacity. Cells are
prefectly capable of giving their discharge
capacity even when outside the ±4.5% range.
After 6 months service, should any individual
cell show a continuing reduction or increase
in voltage outside the above limits over
3 successive monthly periods, our sales
department should be contacted for advice.
Charging Current
Limitation of the charging current is not
required under float charge condition at
2.25 Vpc. At higher charge voltages the
charge current shall be limited to 4 x I
10
.
B
oost Charge
To reduce the recharge time the battery may
be recharged at 2.33 – 2.40 V per cell with a
c
urrent limited to 4 x I
10
. Fast charging must
be switched over to float charging when the
f
ully charged state is reached.
Ripple Current
In the standby operation mode the effective
value of the A.C. ripple current must not
e
xceed 5 A/100Ah C10, otherwise reduced
operational life must be expected.
TEMPERATURE
The recommended operating temperature
range is -10°C to +45°C. The battery will give
best performance and service life when working in the temperature range of +10°C to
+30°C. Higher temperatures reduce the operational life. Lower temperatures reduce the
available capacity. Temporary peak temperatures shall not exceed –30°C and +55°C.
Consideration must be given to depth of discharge (low temperatures) and ventilation
(high temperatures). All technical data relates
to the rated temperature of +20°C. Do not
expose cells to direct sunlight.
DISCHARGING
End of Discharge Voltage
The battery must not be discharged more
than the capacity specified in the performance tables. Deeper discharges may damage the
battery and shorten its operational life. As a
general rule the end of discharge voltage
shall be limited to the values listed below:
Discharge time
1h < t < 5h 1.70 Vpc
5h < t < 8h 1.75 Vpc
8h < t < 24h 1.80 Vpc
Individual cell voltages may fall below U
E
by
not more than 0.2 Vpc. A low voltage disconnect is recommended to prevent deep
discharge. Special attention should be given
to small loads that are not automatically disconnected at the end of discharge.
Discharged Cells and monoblocs
OPzV batteries must not be left in a discharged
condition after supplying the load but must be
immediately returned to recharge mode. Failure
to observe these conditions may result in greatly
reduced service life and unreliability.
Accidental Deep Discharge
Following accidental deep discharge, the battery must be recharged at 2.25 Vpc followed by
an equalizing charge. As the internal resistance
is high at first, the initial charge current is low.
Important notice:
Each deep discharge is abusive, and could
affect the life expectancy of the battery.
TESTING
Capacity tests are to be carried out in accor-
dance with EN 60896-2. Check that the bat-
tery is fully charged. Before testing new bat-
teries it must be ensured that a sufficient
commissioning charge has been applied.
Temperature correction factor
The temperature has an effect on the battery
capacity. The following table shows the correction factors for temperatures other than
the reference temperature of 20°C.
RECHARGE
After a discharge the battery can be recharged
at the operating voltage (float charge voltage).
Depending on the depth of discharge this may
t
ake up to 3 days. To reduce the charging time
the recharging can be carried out with a boost
charge voltage of 2.33 to 2.40 Vpc (fast charge). The recharging times are dependent on
the depth of discharge and on the charging
current available. Generally, 10 to 20 hours
duration can be expected at charging currents
between 5A and 40A per 100Ah C
10
. Fast charging must be switched over to float charging
when the fully charged state is reached.
Equalising charge
Under exceptional circumstances only, e.g.
after deep discharges or after repeated
inadequate recharging, an equalising charge
shall be carried out according to clause a) of
the commissioning charge paragraph or with
the following IUI characteristic:
Charge at increased voltage of 2.33 – 2.40
Vpc, then continue with a constant current of
1.5 A per 100 Ah C
10
during which individual
cell voltages can be allowed to rise to 2.60 –
2.65 Vpc maximum. The charging must be
monitored. The charging time at constant
current shall be 5 to 10 hours.
MAINTENANCE/CHECKS
OPzV batteries are maintenance free, sealed,
lead acid batteries and do not have to be topped up with water or electrolyte. The containers and lids should be kept dry and free
from dust. Cleaning must be undertaken with
a damp cotton cloth without man-made fibres or addition of cleaning agents. Avoid static discharges generated during cleaning.
Every 6 months, check the total voltage at the
battery terminals, the cell voltages of pilot
cells and the temperature. Once a year, in
addition to the above, take readings of individual cell voltages. Keep a logbook in which
the measured values can be noted as well as
power cuts, discharge tests, etc.
Do not
attempt to open the safety valve. Opening
could cause lasting damage to the battery
and is prohibited.
SPECIAL APPLICATIONS
Whenever OPzV batteries are to be used
for special applications such as repeated
cycling or under extreme ambient conditions please contact your SALES OFFICE.
For further information please visit our
website: www.enersys-emea.com
D
ischargeTemperature in °C
T
ime -100+10 +20 +30 +40
5
-12 hours 0.60 0.78 0.90 1.00 1.05 1.07
1-4 hours 0.55 0.74 0.88 1.00 1.06 1.08
End voltage