4
2. General Operating Instructions
2.1. Operating Temperature Range
The maximum operating temperature range for PowerSafe
®
TS
technology is -10°C to +45°C (humidity <90%).
Optimum life and performance are achieved at +25°C.
All technical data relate to the rated temperature of +25°C.
2.2. Storage
Store the battery at a dry, clean and preferably cool and frost-free
location. Do not expose the cells to direct sunlight,
otherwise defects on container and cover might occur.
Limit values for storage conditions: temperature range of -20°C to
+45°C, humidity <90%.
Self-discharge:
It is the capacity loss that results when the battery is left at rest
(without charge) for a given period of time.
The self discharge will increase:
• With natural ageing of the cell
• Following faulty use such as excessive over-discharge, bad
maintenance, by non-demineralised water topping-up
• Temperature rise
The self-discharge rate of PowerSafe TS batteries with the
temperature:
Temperature
25°C
30°C
40°C
Monthly self-discharge rate
3%
4.5%
10%
PowerSafe TS technology has a shelf life of 5 months when stored
at 25°C. Higher temperatures increase the rate of self discharge and
therefore reduce storage life.
This table gives the
maximum
storage period before refresh, at the
given average storage ambient temperature:
Average storage
ambient temperature
Maximum storage time
20ºC
6 months
25ºC
5 months
30ºC
4 months
40ºC
2 months
PowerSafe
TS batteries must be given a refreshing charge:
a. when maximum storage time is reached, or
b. when the OCV approaches 2.10Volts/cell whichever occurs first
(OCV = Open Circuit Voltage, it is the voltage measured (between
the terminals) when the cell is disconnected from any circuit (zero
current))
If the batteries are supplied moist-charged, the storage time shall
not exceed 2 years. For filling see special instructions on filling and
commissioning moist-charged batteries.
2.3. Freshening Charge
The refresh charge should be conducted using constant voltage
(adjusted to the temperature) eg. 2.23Vpc at 20-25°C with 0.1 C
10
Amps current limit for a minimum period of 96h.
Alternatively, a refresh charge can be conducted applying a constant
voltage of 2.40Vpc for 24-48h maximum.
2.4. Commissioning
Please note that the commissioning of moist-charged PowerSafe
TS cells should be carried out in accordance with the instructions
published in our dedicated moist-charged manual.
Safety, installation & ventilation
The battery room should be well ventilated in order to remove
gases produced during charging.The gases (mixture of oxygen
and hydrogen) liberated by the cells when on charge may cause
an explosion, and therefore, care must be taken not to produce
SPARKS: NAKED LIGHTS must be not allowed, and remember NO
SMOKING.
Following precautions must also be taken:
• Do not wear clothing likely to create static electricity (nylon) during
maintenance operations
• Do not use a portable apparatus linked to an electric plug
The electrical protective measures and the accommodation and
ventilation of the battery installation must be in accordance with
the applicable “local” national standards, rules and regulations.
Specifically EN 50272-2 and IEC 62485-2:2010 standards apply.
Low ventilation requirement according to EN 50272-2.
The battery should be installed in a clean, dry area.
Avoid placing the battery in a hot place or in front of a window
(no direct sunlight). Battery racks are recommended for proper
installation. Place the cells on the rack and arrange the positive and
the negative terminals for connection according the wiring diagram.
Check that all contact surfaces are clean. Tighten terminal screws,
taking care to use the correct torque loading.
Terminal screw
Torque
M10 - female
23 - 25 Nm
Follow the polarity to avoid short circuiting of cell groups. A loose
connector can cause trouble in adjusting the system,
erratic battery
performance, and possible damage to the battery and/or personal
injury.
Commissioning
The initial charge is extremely important as it will condition the
battery service life. So the battery must be fully recharged to ensure
that it is in an optimum state of charge.
Case 1:
Using a constant voltage charger.
Cells here will need to be recharged at a constant voltage of
between 2.35 and 2.40 Vpc at 25°C for a minimum of 48h and a
maximum of 72h with a current limited to 0.10C
10
.
