Batteries
Stationary batteries for uninterruptible power supply in applications
where availability is a high priority, e.g. power plants, switchgear,
process installations and communication equipment.
The batteries are
designed for continuous float charging to ensure power is available throughout
their life.
A wide range of batteries are available in a choice of materials
and configurations to suit different performance requirements.
Stationary batteries can be divided into two different groups, lead
batteries (Pb) and nickel cadmium batteries (NiCd). Both types are available
in free-venting (FV) and valve-regulated versions (VR). Free-vented versions
allow topping up with water, but valve-regulated versions do not require
topping up, since the oxygen and hydrogen recombine to produce water.
Ventilation requirements are therefore lower for VR batteries than for
FV batteries.
VR batteries come in two different types; one with a gel
electrolyte and the other with the electrolyte absorbed in glass mat
(AGM). VR batteries give a very compact configuration and require less
floor space than FV batteries.
Optional accessories include standard battery cabinets and racks, and classified
racks for seismic loads.
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PbFV free-venting lead batteries with liquid electrolyte
These are well-proven batteries with robust construction
that are most suitable for low and moderate current loads with
discharge times in excess of one hour.
Service life 10–15
years at 20oC.
Permits maintenance in the form of topping up with water.
Read more
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PbVR AGM valve-regulated lead AGM batteries
In valve-regulated batteries the electrolyte is absorbed in glass
fibre mats (hence AGM, Absorbed Glass Mat). These are most suitable
for moderate and high loads with short discharge times, and are
the most widely used type of battery in UPS applications.
Service
life 4–12 years at 20oC.
There is no need for maintenance
in the form of topping up with water, as most of the hydrogen is
recombined. These batteries permit very compact configurations,
especially with front terminal versions.
Read
more
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PbVR-gel valve-regulated gel lead batteries
Valve-regulated batteries with gel electrolyte, i.e. non-liquid.
Most suitable for low and moderate current loads with discharge
times usually in excess of one hour.
Service life 10–15
years at 20oC.
There is no need for topping up with water,
as the gases recombine inside the battery. The ventilation requirements
are therefore lower than for free-venting batteries. PbVR-gel
batteries permit very compact configurations, especially with
horizontally laid single-cells.
Read more |
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NiCd nickel cadmium batteries
Nickel cadmium batteries are available in free-venting and valve-regulated
versions. This type of battery offers high reliability, can cope
with harsh environments and a wide temperature range from -20 to
45oC, and has an estimated life of 20–25 years at 20oC.
Nickel
cadmium batteries have good performance at high discharge currents
and excellent tolerance to deep discharge. Low life cycle cost
in demanding applications.
Read more |
Choosing battery type
Important characteristics when choosing batteries
- Ambient temperature
- Service life
- Discharge time
- Maintenance requirements
- Space requirements
| Battery type |
Lead
(Pb) |
Nickel
cadmium (NiCd) |
Free venting (FV)
Valve-regulated (VR) |
VR |
FV |
VR |
FV |
| AGM |
GEL |
| Temperature range °C |
±0…+30 |
±0 …+40 |
-20…+45 |
| Life in years at 20°C |
4-12 |
10-15 |
10-15 |
20-25 |
| Typical discharge time |
1min-10h |
0,5h-10h |
1h-10h |
1min-10h |
| Water top-up |
not required |
possible |
not required |
possible |
| Space rquirement |
Allows compact installation |
Requires inspection of electrolyte
level in battery and access for topping up, which limits possibilities
for compact installation |
Specification
We can help you choose the right battery type, calculate capacity,
high-temperature ageing, ventilation requirements and recommend suitable
racking. |