b.20
Acceptance Testing
Each cell should be at 100% State of Charge prior to
performing an acceptance test on the battery system. To ensure
the cells are fully charged the following charge schedule should
be followed.
Cells should be charged at the equalization rate of 2.40 volts
per cell for 24 hours. Temperature compensated charging
parameters shall be applied as detailed in “Temperature
Compensation” in Appendix D of this manual.
To ensure the cells are fully charged within 24hrs; the charger
used for this charge must have the current equal to the
maximum charge current for the given cell type (model), as
called out in Appendix D
If these requirements cannot be met, contact East Penn Reserve
Power’s Product Support group for alternate instructions.
Upon completion, the charge voltage should be lowered to the
float voltage of 2.25 volts per cell for a minimum period of 72
hours. Reference: IEEE 1188-2005 Section 7.2 for additional
acceptance test requirements.
Upon completion of the above charge, the desired acceptance
test can be performed.
NOTE: There shall be no discharges of any duration between the
start of the equalization and the completion of the float period.
If a discharge does occur, the charging regime detailed above
shall be repeated.
Upon completion of the acceptance test, the battery system
should be placed on float charge at 2.25 volts per cell to restore
the battery to its’ rated capacity.
Batteries should not require an equalization charge once they
have passed their initial acceptance test. Consult with East Penn
Reserve Power’s Product Support group before performing
additional equalizing charges on batteries that have successfully
passed their initial acceptance test.
MAINTENANCE
Always wear eye protection when working on or near batteries.
Keep sparks and open flames away from batteries at all times.
Review Safety Precautions on (pg b.3).
Annual Inspection
For Renewable Energy (Cyclic) applications, some of the following
recommendations may not apply.
Discharge and recharge affect voltage and ohmic values. These
readings should be taken only after the battery string has been on
continuous, uninterrupted float charge for at least one month.
The following values should be recorded using the Battery
Maintenance Report in Appendix G. Additional copies available
at www.eastpennmanufacturing.com
1. Conduct a visual inspection of each cell.
2. Battery string voltage at battery terminals while battery is on float.
3. Charger voltage at the charger panel.
4. Individual cell voltages. Cells should be within ± 0.05 volts of
the average cell float voltage.
5. Ambient temperatures within area of battery string
6. Average battery string temperature at a minimum of three
different cells at varying locations. Temperatures shall be taken
at the negative post.
7. Individual cell ohmic readings. To provide accurate / consistent
values, cells must be fully charged, at same temperature and
probes placed at same location each time readings are taken.
On a 4-post cell, place meter leads on the left positive & left
negative posts or right positive & right negative posts. For
6-post cells, measure from center positive to center negative
posts. Do not measure diagonally from positive to negative
posts. See below example for specific location.
8. All intercell, interunit and terminal connection resistances. Micro-
ohm readings should be taken across every connection. Refer to
meter manufacturer’s instructions for proper placement of probes.
If any reading differs by more than 20% from its initial installa-
tion value, re-torque the connection, consult “Hardware Torque
Requirements” (pg b.4) for proper torque values. If reading
remains high, clean contact surfaces according to Step 1 under
Connector Assembly. Recheck the micro-ohm reading.
Failure to maintain proper records including information as
detailed above may result in voiding any applicable warranty.
