COMMISSIONING CHARGE
When commissioning a new battery (first
charge), follow procedure a) or b). Procedure
a) is recommended.
a) IU method (boost charge):
At a raised voltage of 2.33 – 2.40 Vpc.
The charging time will be 12 to 24 hours
depending on the initial charge condition.
The current must be limited to 4 x I10. Boost
charging must be switched off or switched
over to float charging as soon as the fully
charged state is reached.
b) Float charge:
With a voltage of 2.25 Vpc. Full capacity will be
obtained after a longer period of 4 to 6 weeks
depending on state of charge.
STANDBY OPERATION / FLOAT CHARGE
Float Voltage
The recommended float / charge voltage is
2.25 V per cell at 20°C (tolerance 2.23 –2.25
Vpc). The charger voltage amounts to 2.25
Vpc x no. of cells. If the average ambient
temperature deviates more than± 10°C
from the reference temperature of 20°C, it
is recommended to adjust the float voltage
to the following temperature compensation
curve:
In case that the average temperature deviates
less than ±5°C, no temperature compensation
has to be applied.
The recommended float charge voltage is 2.25
volts per cell at 20°C. Following a commission
charge and after 6 months continuous charge
at the recommended float voltage, individual
cell voltages will stabilise within ±4.5% of the
mean applied voltage.
However, immediately following commis-
sioning and for the initial 6 months of
continuous float charge, individual cell
voltage values outside the above tolerance
may be observed without adverse efect.
There is no relationship between a cell’s float
voltage and its discharge capacity. Cells are
prefectly capable of giving their discharge
capacity even when outside the ±4.5% range.
After 6 months service, should any individual
cell show a continuing reduction or increase
in voltage outside the above limits over
3 successive monthly periods, our sales
department should be contacted for advice.
Charging Current
Limitation of the charging current is not
required under float charge condition at 2.25
Vpc. At higher charge voltages the charge
current shall be limited to 4 x I
10
.
Boost Charge
To reduce the recharge time the battery may
be recharged at 2.33 – 2.40 V per cell with a
current limited to 4 x I
10
. Fast charging must
be switched over to float charging when the
fully charged state is reached.
Ripple Current
In the standby operation mode the effective
value of the A.C. ripple current must not
exceed 5 A/100Ah C10, otherwise reduced
operational life must be expected.
TEMPERATURE
The recommended operating temperature
range is -10°C to +45°C. The battery will give
best performance and service life when
working in the temperature range of +10°C
to +30°C. Higher temperatures reduce
the operational life. Lower temperatures
reduce the available capacity. Temporary
peak temperatures shall not exceed –30°C
and +55°C. Consideration must be given to
depth of discharge (low temperatures) and
ventilation (high temperatures). All technical
data relates to the rated temperature of
+20°C. Do not expose cells to direct sunlight.
DISCHARGING
End of Discharge Voltage
The battery must not be discharged
more than the capacity specified in the
performance tables. Deeper discharges
may damage the battery and shorten its
operational life. As a general rule the end
of discharge voltage shall be limited to the
values listed below:
Individual cell voltages may fall below UE
by not more than 0.2 Vpc. A low voltage
disconnect is recommended to prevent deep
discharge. Special attention should be given
to small loads that are not automatically
disconnected at the end of discharge.
Discharged Cells and Monoblocs
OPzV batteries must not be left in a
discharged condition after supplying the
load but must be immediately returned to
recharge mode. Failure to observe these
conditions may result in greatly reduced
service life and unreliability.
Accidental Deep Discharge
Following accidental deep discharge, the
battery must be recharged at 2.25 Vpc
followed by an equalizing charge. As the
internal resistance is high at first, the initial
charge current is low.
Important Notice
Each deep discharge is abusive and could
affect the life expectancy of the battery.
TESTING
Capacity tests are to be carried out in
accordance with IEC 60896-21/22. Check that
the battery is fully charged. Before testing
new batteries it must be ensured that a
sufficient commissioning charge has been
applied.
Temperature
Float voltage
-10 °C
2.37 Vpc
0 °C
2.33 Vpc
10 °C
2.29 Vpc
20 °C
2.25 Vpc
30 °C
2.23 Vpc
40 °C
2.21 Vpc
Discharge time
End voltage
1h < t < 5h
1.70 Vpc
5h < t < 8h
1.75 Vpc
8h < t < 24h
1.80 Vpc
Temperature Correction Factor
The temperature has an effect on the battery
capacity. The following table shows the
correction factors for temperatures other than
the reference temperature of 20°C.
RECHARGE
After a discharge the battery can be
recharged at the operating voltage (float
charge voltage). Depending on the depth
of discharge this may take up to 3 days. To
reduce the charging time the recharging
can be carried out with a boost charge
voltage of 2.33 to 2.40 Vpc (fast charge).
The recharging times are dependent on the
depth of discharge and on the charging
current available. Generally, 10 to 20 hours
duration can be expected at charging currents
between 5A and 40A per 100Ah C10 . Fast
charging must be switched over to float
charging when the fully charged state is
reached.
Equalising Charge
Under exceptional circumstances only, e.g.
after deep discharges or after repeated
inadequate recharging, an equalising charge
shall be carried out according to clause a) of
the commissioning charge paragraph or with
the following IUI characteristic:
Charge at increased voltage of 2.33 – 2.40
Vpc, then continue with a constant current of
1.5 A per 100 Ah C10 during which individual
cell voltages can be allowed to rise to 2.60
– 2.65 Vpc maximum. The charging must be
monitored. The charging time at constant
current shall be 5 to 10 hours.
MAINTENANCE/CHECKS
OPzV batteries are maintenance free, sealed,
lead acid batteries and do not have to be
topped up with water or electrolyte. The
containers and lids should be kept dry and
free from dust. Cleaning must be undertaken
with a damp cotton cloth without man-made
fibres or addition of cleaning agents. Avoid
static discharges generated during cleaning.
Every 6 months, check the total voltage at
the battery terminals, the cell voltages of
pilot cells and the temperature. Once a year,
in addition to the above, take readings of
individual cell voltages. Keep a logbook in
which the measured values can be noted as
well as power cuts, discharge tests, etc. Do not
attempt to open the safety valve. Opening
could cause lasting damage to the battery
and is prohibited.
SPECIAL APPLICATIONS
Whenever OPzV batteries are to be used for
special applications such as repeated cycling
or under extreme ambient conditions please
contact your sales representative.
Discharge
time
Temperature in °C
-10
0
+10 +20 +30 +40
5-12 hours
0.60 0.78 0.90 1.00 1.05 1.07
1-4 hours
0.55 0.74 0.88 1.00 1.06 1.08
