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Water loss : Water in a vented lead

acid cell is lost during float or over


charge by a process known as
electrolysis . In this process water is
converted in to oxygen at the +ve
plate and to Hydrogen at the ve
plates . These gasses are allowed to
vent out of the cell into atmosphere,
resulting in loss of water in a lead
acid cell . The oxygen recombination
cycle limits the water loss.

Oxygen recombination :

Perfect water to oxygen - to water


cycle , all the oxygen produced at the + ve
plate on float or overcharge would be
transported to the ve plate and converted
back to water, with no water being lost in
the cell. This is the basis for VRLA cell
technology. ( IEEE Std 1189-1996)

Gelled electrolyte technology :

Gelled electrolyte cells are designed such that


voids
( gas passages ) develop in the gel.
These voids serve as passages through which
oxygen transport to the negative plates is
enhanced.
Absorbed electrolyte technology :
Absorbed electrolyte cells are designed with
an absorbent separator that is approximately
95% filled with liquid electrolyte. The remaining
voids provide for optimized oxygen transport
from positive to negative plates
(AGM technology : Absorbent Glass Mass
technology )

Pressure regulation valve:


The internal cell pressure caused by
the evolved gases is regulated by a
valve that allows them to escape
periodically. This is the origin of the
term valve regulated. VRLA valves
operate over a relatively narrow
range, typically within the limits of 0.5
50 psig, depending upon design,
allowing the escape of unrecognized
gases and preventing the backflow of
air into the cell

Thermal runaway
When a VRLA cell is operating on float or overcharge in a

fully recombinant mode, almost all of the overcharge


energy results in heart generation . If the design of the
system and environment are such that the heat produced
can be dissipated and thermal equilibrium can be
reached , then there is no thermal runaway problem.
However if the recombination reaction gives rise to a rate
of heat evolution that exceeds the rate of heat dissipation,
the battery temperature will rise and more current will be
required to maintain the float voltage. The additional
current results in still more recombination and heat
generation further raises battery temperature , and so on.
The net effect can be accelerated dry out/or melting of the
battery. The problem of thermal runaway can be
minimized by use of appropriate ventilation between and
around the cells and limiting charging current .

Effect of temperature on capacity


of cell:
The temperature operation will shorten VRLA

battery life. As a general rule , prolonged use


at elevated temperature will reduce the
battery life by approximately 50% for every 8
degree centigrade raise in temperature .

Storage
If the batteries are not to be used immediately , they should

be stored in a cool, dry location , protected from direct


sunlight and rain.
Do not stack the packing boxes one on the top of the other
since this may cause damage to the batteries.
Storage period :
Batteries upon storage lose capacity due to self discharge.
The rate of self discharge increase with temperature.
Batteries need to be charged periodically , in case of
prolonged storage, failing which the battery capacity may
become irrecoverable due to irreversible salvation.
The are supplied from the factory in charged condition and
can be stored up to a maximum of 6 months before
installation at an ambient temperature of 27 deg. C
In general , a 7 t0 10 deg.C rise in ambient temperature will
have storage time reduced from 6 months to 3 months.

Initial charging
(The
freshening
battery system may)require an initial charge

if the voltage per cell drops to 2.1 Volts while the


battery is in storage prior to installation.
Set the Voltage to 2.3 volts x No. of cells with a
current limit of .2 C10 Amps max.
After attaining the required voltage for three
consecutive hours, the system has to be switched
to float mode ( 2.25 V per cell) and the load may
be connected to battery.
However , initial commissioning of batteries may
be done in the presence of supplier service
engineer.

Recharging details for the


discharged batteries
Charging must be carried out at constant

potential with the current limit to .2 C10


Amps. Charge in boost mode at a charge
voltage of 2.3 volts per cell for a period of 16
hours followed by charge in float mode at a
float voltage of 2.25 volts per cell for a period
of 72 hours before connecting to load . The
duration of charge varies with the depth of
discharge.

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