Diesel Generator Lead Acid Batteries General Precautions SECTION 5 - MAINTENANCE PART 2
Publish Time: 2018-05-19 Origin: Site
SECTION 5 - MAINTENANCE PART 2
5.3 Charging
Where generator sets are used infrequently, battery re-charging must take place when the SG drops below 1.220 (or 1.180 in tropical climates) until the SG in all cells rises and remains constant for three hours. In all cases where use is infrequent, batteries must be put on a monthly re-charge schedule to ensure that a fully charged condition is maintained.
Caution: NEVER allow a battery to become completely flat (fully discharged), or to stand in a discharged condition, or damage will result. |
1. Remove the vent caps before carrying out charging.
2. Do not put a filled battery into storage without first giving the battery a commissioning charge.
3. Batteries must be given a further charge every six months at the normal initial charge rate until the voltage and SG cease to rise.
4. At the end of the charging process, the electrolyte levels must be checked and restored, if necessary, by the addition of electrolyte of the correct SG. The vent caps must then be replaced.
Note: Any further topping-up of the electrolyte must be made using distilled or de-ionised water.
5.4 Trickle / Boost Charging (Option)
Where a mains-powered battery charger is provided (and switched ON), the battery will automatically receive a ‘trickle-charge’ to prevent the battery becoming discharged below its optimum charge level.
During trickle-charging, not all cells in the battery receive the same charge; over a period of several months this may affect battery performance. It is therefore good practice to give batteries a regular charge at their full rate to return all cells to full capacity. This is referred to as boost- charging, or equalise-charging.
If the charger is fitted with a Boost Charge switch, the Boost position should be selected at intervals detailed by the battery manufacturer (normally around every six months).
Caution: Batteries should not be left on Boost Charge for extended periods as this will result in excessive water consumption, gassing, and may impair battery performance. |
A Boost Charge not exceeding twice the bench charge rate may be used, providing that:
The electrolyte temperature does not exceed 109°F (43°C).
The battery volts do not reach 15V (for a 12V battery)
If either of these situations should arise, reduce the charge rate to the normal bench rate. For tropical climates the temperature must not exceed 120°F (49°C).
Note: The charge period should be extended:
To eight hours if the battery has been in storage for three months or more, at temperatures in excess of 86°F (30°C), or if humidity is above 80%
To twelve hours if the battery has been in storage for twelve months or more
At the end of the charging process, the electrolyte levels must be checked and restored if necessary by the addition of electrolyte of the correct SG. The vent caps must then be replaced.
Note: Any further topping-up of the electrolyte must be made using distilled or de-ionised water.