7 BATTERIES
en-60
7.13 DISCHARGE TEST (62801 ONLY)_____________________________________________
Battery serviceability can be tested using a Battery
Discharge tester of the same voltage as the system to be
tested (48 volts for the Eclipse 322).
The Battery Discharge Tester will discharge the batteries
until the battery pack reaches terminal voltage (48 volt
systems terminal voltage is 42 volts).The time it takes to
reach a terminal voltage is a useful test of battery
discharge time.
Items required for the test:
•
Battery Discharge Tester
•
Battery Thermometer or use
•
Hydrometer/thermometer
Battery discharge time is affected by temperature and
rate of discharge (amps). If the Jacobsen discharger
(Part No. 892857) is being used in this test, the discharge
rate for the batteries is 56.25 amps at 48 volts (if another
discharger is being used, the discharge rate will have to
be determined before continuing).
The following charts and instructions will be used for the
discharge test.
Use Discharge Test Temperature Correction table for
the temperature compensation needed in step 6.
Use Battery Discharge Rates table to determine the
optimum amount of discharge time for the type of battery
being tested.
1.
Connect the discharger to a fully charged set of
batteries. Connect the clamps of the discharger to
the same terminals charger and battery connector
cables are assembled to.
2.
Turn on the discharger.
3.
The discharger should automatically turn off when
the terminal voltage is reached (48 volt system, the
terminal voltage is 42 volts).
4.
During the discharge time, periodically measure the
battery pack voltage. Use a volt-ohm meter, set to
measure DC volts. Connect the black lead of the
volt-ohm meter to the black cable of the discharge
tester. Connect the red lead to the red cable of the
discharge tester.
5.
When the voltage is within 0.5 volts of the terminal
voltage for the pack (42.5 volts), measure and
record the voltage of the individual batteries. If the
discharger shuts of before all the measurements
can be taken, record the discharge time and then
restart the discharger and finish taking the readings.
6.
Take the electrolyte temperature reading and find
the correction factor for that reading in Chart 1 (See
Page 10).
7.
Multiply the discharge time by the correction factor.
The new value is the temperature compensated
discharge time.
EXAMPLE:
The discharge rate for a matured Trojan T890 is 132
minutes. If the electrolyte temperature is 75° F (23.9°
C), multiply 132 x 1.025 = 135.
8.
If the number of minutes required to reach the
terminal voltage is 60% or more of the battery's
discharge time rating, then the batteries are in good
condition.
9.
If the discharge time is below 60%, compare the
individual battery readings taken in step 5.
10. If any of the battery readings vary more than 0.5
volts, then that battery is nearing the end of its
useful life and should be replaced.
11. If all the individual battery readings are within the
0.5 volts and the discharge time was low, then the
battery pack is nearing the end of its useful life and
will need to be replaced soon.
Figure 7D
WARNING
Use care when using tools around the battery
terminals, and when possible, use insulated tools.
Charge batteries in a well ventilated area to prevent
explosive gas build up.
!
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