E T X T S O L I T H I U M B A T T E R I E S
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3)
Ensure the battery is fully charged. Turn off the aircraft master switch and any other
battery loads, then measure the voltage at the battery terminals. A fully charged
battery should be 13.4 volts or greater. If not connect an Optimate TM291 (5 amp)
or TM275 (9.5amp) battery charger to the battery and leave the charger “On” until
the charge lights (Save, Charge and Optimize LEDs in the center of the charger) are
extinguished.
4)
After fully charging the battery in the previous step, allow the battery rest over-night
(minimum of 12 hours) without any load applied to the battery. Verify the battery is
“holding a charge” by confirming the voltage is greater than 13.4 volt.
5)
Verify the battery capacity. A battery’s current capacity as compared to its original
capacity is an indication of the battery’s remaining service life. A battery with greater
than 80% of its original “rated” capacity is consider fit for continued service. If the
battery capacity is less than 80%, then it must be replaced. Alternately, if the batteries
tested capacity is capable of supporting the aircraft’s emergency load for the required
amount of time it is consider fit for continued service. It is recommended that the
article be replaced after 6 years of service. To test the battery capacity:
a.
Fully charge the battery with an appropriate charger
b.
Turn on all electrical loads for flight operation and start a timer.
c.
Measure and record the battery’s discharge amps using a DC clamp-on
current meter at the positive terminal of the battery.
d.
Using the measured amps in the previous step and the battery’s nameplate
rated capacity (in Ah), calculate the time to discharge the battery to 80%.
Time to discharge 80% (Hours) =
∗ .
For Example (16 Ah Rated Capacity, 5 amp measured discharge rate)
Time to discharge 80% =
∗ .
= 2.56 hours
e.
Terminate the test after the number of hours calculated in the previous step
has expired or if the battery is over-discharged (shuts off discharge current).
If the battery is still supplying power at the termination of the test, then the
battery’s capacity is greater than 80%. If the battery’s capacity is greater than
80% of it rated or capable of supporting the aircraft’s emergency load for the
required amount of time, then the battery has passed the test.
f.
Fully charge the battery with an appropriate charger.
