2
Publication No: EN-GAZ-Standard-IOM 001 Dec 2012
1. Receiving the battery
The cells are not to be stored in
packaging, therefore, unpack the battery
immediately after arrival. Do not overturn
the package. The battery cells are
equipped with a blue plastic transport plug.
The battery can be delivered:
-
Filled and charged
/ the battery
is ready for installation. Replace
the transport plug with the vent
cap included in our accessories
just before use;
-
Filled and discharged
/ Replace
the transport plug with the vent
cap included in our accessories
just before use; or
-
Unfilled and discharged
/ do not
remove the transport plug until
ready to fill the battery.
The battery must not be charged with
the transport plug in the cells as this
can damage the battery.
2. Storage
The rooms provided for storing the
batteries must be clean, dry, cool (+10 °C
to 30 °C - in compliance with IEC 60623)
and well ventilated. The cells are not to be
stored in closed packaging and must not
be exposed to direct sunlight or UV-
radiation.
If the cells are delivered in plywood
boxes, open the boxes before storage
and remove the packing material on the
top of the cells. If the cells are delivered
on pallets remove the packing material
on the top of the cells.
2.1 Uncharged and unfilled cells
Provided the correct storage conditions
are met then the cells and batteries can be
stored for long periods without damage if
they are deeply discharged, drained and
well sealed. It is very important that the
cells are sealed with the plastic transport
plug tightly in place. It is necessary to
check after receipt and at least every year.
Leaky plugs allow the carbon dioxide from
the atmosphere to infiltrate the cell, which
will result in carbonation of the plates. This
may influence the capacity of the battery.
2.2 Charged and filled cells/
discharged and filled cells
Filled cells can be stored for up to 12
months from the time of delivery. Storage
of filled cells at a temperature above
+30 °C results in loss of capacity of
approximately 5% per 10% year. It is very
important that the cells are sealed with the
plastic transport plugs tightly in place. In
case of loss of electrolyte during
transportation, refill the cell with distilled
water to the
“MAX”
mark before storage.
3. Installation
EN 50272-2:2001 “Accumulators and
battery installations, stationary battery
installations” is binding for the setting up
and operation of battery installations. For
non
stationary
installations
specific
standards are valid.
3.1 Location
Install the battery in a dry and
clean room.
Avoid direct sunlight and heat in all cases.
The
battery
will
give
the
optimal
performance and maximum service life if
the ambient temperature lies between
+ 10 °C and + 30 °C.
3.2 Ventilation
During the last part of charging the battery,
gases (oxygen and hydrogen mixture) are
emitted. At normal float charge the gas
evolution is very small but some ventilation
is necessary.
Special regulations for
ventilation might be required in your
area for certain applications. If no
regulations are fixed
DIN EN 50272,
Part 2
:
2001 should be met.
3.3 Setting up
Always follow the assembly drawings,
circuit diagrams and other separate
instructions. The transport plugs have to
be replaced by the vent caps included in
the accessories. If batteries are supplied
“filled and charged” , all the electrolyte
levels
should
be
checked
and,
if
necessary, topped up as described in
point
3.4.
Cell connectors and/or flexible cables
should be checked to ensure they are
tightly seated. Terminal nuts, screws and
connectors must be tightly seated. If
necessary, tighten with a torque wrench.
Torque loading for:
M10: 8 Nm
M16: 20 Nm
M20: 25 Nm
Female thread:
M 8: 20 – 25 Nm
M10: 25 – 30 Nm
The connectors and terminals should be
corrosion-protected by coating with a thin
layer of anti-corrosion grease.
3.4 Electrolyte
The electrolyte for NiCd batteries consists
of diluted caustic potash solution (specific
gravity 1.20 kg/litre ± 0.01 kg/litre) with
a
lithium
hydroxide
component,
in
accordance with IEC 60993. The caustic
potash solution is prepared in accordance
with factory regulations. The specific
gravity of the electrolyte does not allow
any conclusion to be drawn on the
charging state of the battery. It changes
only
slightly
during
charging
and
discharging and is only minimally related
to the temperature.
-
Battery delivered unfilled and
discharged
/ if the electrolyte is
supplied dry, it is to be mixed to
the enclosed mixing instruction.
Remove the transport plugs from
the cell just before filling. Fill the
cells up to 20 mm above the
lower level mark “MIN”. Steel
cased cells have to be filled up to
the top edge of the plates. When
using battery racks fill cells before
installing. Only use genuine
electrolyte.
-
Battery delivered filled and
charged or discharged
/ check
electrolyte level. It should not be
less than 20 mm below the upper
level mark “MAX” (see 5.2).
3.5 Commissioning
A good commissioning is very important.
The following instructions are valid for
commissioning while 20 °C to 30 °C. For
different conditions please contact the
manufacturer.
Charging
at
constant
current is preferable. If a site test is
requested it has to be carried out in
accordance with IEC 60623.
According to IEC 60623, 0.2 C
5
A is also
expressed as 0.2 I
t
A. The reference test
current I
t
is expressed as:
I
t
A = C
n
Ah
1 h
Example:
0.2 I
t
A means:
20 A for a 100 Ah battery or
100 A for a 500 Ah battery
3.5.1 Commissioning with constant
current
Battery
delivered
unfilled
and
discharged
/after a period of 5 hours from
filling the electrolyte, the battery should be
charged for 15 hours at the rated charging
current 0.2 I
t
A. Approximately 4 hour after
the end of charging, the electrolyte level
should be adjusted to the upper electrolyte
level mark “MAX” by using only genuine
electrolyte. For cells with steel cases, the
electrolyte level should be adjusted to the
maximum
level
according
to
the
“Instruction for the control of electrolyte
level”.
During the charge the electrolyte
level and temperature should be
observed
(see
point
5.4).
The
electrolyte level should never fall below
the “MIN” mark.
Battery delivered filled and discharged
/the battery should be charged for 15
hours at the rated charging current 0.2 I
t
A.
Approximately 4 hours after the end of
charging, the electrolyte level should be
adjusted to the upper electrolyte level
mark “MAX” by using distilled or deionized
water in accordance with IEC 60993. For
cells with steel cases, the electrolyte level
should be adjusted to the maximum level
according to the “Instruction for the control
of electrolyte level”.