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Installation, commissioning and operating instructions for valve-regulated stationary lead-acid batteries
7140203153 V1.4 (09.2018)
Installation, commissioning and operating instructions for valve-regulated stationary lead-acid batteries
7140203153 V1.4 (09.2018)
5.1.1 Calculation of safety distance
In close proximity of the batteries the dilution of explosive gases is not always given. Therefore a safety distance
has to be realized by a clearance, in which there must not be any sparking or glowing equipments (max. surface
temperature 300°C). The diffusion of the oxyhydrogen depends on the gas release and the ventilation close
to the battery. For the following calculation of the safety distance ‘d’ it can be assumed that the oxyhydrogen
expands spherical. Figure 5.1 depicts a graphic approximation of the safety distance ‘d’ depending on the
battery capacity. Subsequently a detailed calculation is shown.
Safety clearance:
Required safety clearance needs to be calculated according to formula stated in IEC 62485-2.
Volumes of a hemisphere:
Air volume flow required to reduce the concentration of generated hydrogen H
2
in the air to 4% max.:
Required radius of the hemisphere:
Fig. 5–1: Safety distance based on battery capacity (Source HOPPECKE)
Safety clearance d [mm]
Battery capacity C [Ah]
VLA battery float charge mode
VRLA battery float charge mode
VLA battery boost charge mode
VRLA battery boost charge mode
Requirement
Our recommendation
Ventilation source
Sufficient room ventilation is absolutely required to limit the
hydrogen concentration (H2 concentration) in the ambient air of
the battery room to a value of <2% by volume.
Hydrogen is lighter than air. Make sure that hydrogen does not
accumulate (e.g., in the ceiling area). Ventilation and deaerati-
on openings should be placed near the ceiling. (see also
Chap.
5.2.1.1
and
Chap. 5.2.1.2
).
Environment
The ambience should be clean and dry. Water, oil and dirt must be kept away
from the cell surface.
Passageway width
in front of and between
the battery racks
(and cabinets)
Europe: Passageway width = 1.5 x cell width (installation depth), at least
500 mm (see also IEC 62485-2).
USA:
36“ or. 915 mm
HOPPECKE recommendation:
If possible at the installation location: 1 m.
Otherwise: in accordance with local regulations.
Minimum distances
Rack to wall
Battery to wall
Conductive parts to ground
Battery end terminals
Battery to sources of ignition
Upper surface of battery to
next tier of rack or bottom
of the next cabinet
50 mm
100 mm
1.500 mm for U
nom
or U
part
>120 V VDC between non-insulated and grounded
parts (e.g. water lines)
1.500 mm for U
nom
>120 V DC
See calculation of the safety distance
Chap. 5.1.1.
250 mm It mus be possible to measure the voltage.
Access door
Lockable and fire retardant (T90).
Lighting
Recommend: at least 100 lx.
Labeling
Warning signs in accordance with IEC 62485-2.
Warning sign depicting risk of electrical volta-
ge only necessary if battery voltage exceeds
60V DC.
Risk of explosion
No sources with ignition (e.g. open flame, glowing objects, electrical switches,
sparks) near to the cell openings.
Ambient temperature
The recommended operating temperature ist between 10 °C and 30 °C. The
optimal temperature is 20 °C ± 5 K. Higher temperatures shorten the service
life of the battery. All technical data is valid for the nominal temperature of 20
° C. Lower temperatures decrease battery capacity. Exceeding the limit tempe-
ratures of 55 °C is not permissible. Avoid operating at temperatures en excess
of 45 °C for long periods of time.
Batteries should not exposed to direct sunlight or near heat sources.
Ambient air
The air in the battery room must be free of impurities, e.g. suspended matter,
metal particles or flammable gases.
The humidity should be at a maximum of 85%.
Earthing
If you ground the racks or battery cabinets, make sure that you use a connection
to a reliable grounding point.
Battery installation
We recommend that batteries are properly installed in HOPPECKE battery racks
or cabinets. The use of other operator-specific solutions may render the warran-
ty for the batteries null and void.
Country-specific
regulations
Some countries require batteries and racks to be installed in collection tanks.
Please observe all local regulations and contact you local HOPPECKE represen-
tative if necessary.
Tab. 5–1: Demands on the erection site
Danger!
