Exide Technologies Section 93.10T - Manual (Page 5)

4.3 TEMPERATURE
A battery location having an ambient temperature of 25°C
(77°F) will result in optimum battery life. Batteries operated
above this temperature will suffer reduced life, while batteries
operated below this temperature may exhibit suppressed
capacity. Though brief temperature excursions between 0°C
(32°F) and 40°C (104°F) can be tolerated, the normal
operating temperature is between 16°C (60°F) and 32°C
(90°F).
4.4 ELECTROLYTE LEVEL
During normal operation, the electrolyte level should be
between the high and low marks on the battery container.
Upon receipt of the battery, the electrolyte level may be a bit
lower than this mark; after charging, it may be higher. The
reason is that gas bubbles formed during charge will adhere
to the battery plates, displacing and raising the electrolyte
level.
Do not attempt to adjust the electrolyte either
immediately upon receipt or immediately after the initial
charge.
4.5 CELL POSITIONING
By now, it is assumed that the rack has been assembled.
Determine the desired position of the positive and negative
terminals.
Measure and mark the center of the rack.
Determine the number of battery blocks that will fit on a
step/tier of the rack.
If that number is odd, position the
centerline of the first battery block on the centerline of the
rack step/tier. If the number is even, position the end of
battery block on the centerline of the rack step/tier. Work
from the center out, positioning the positive terminal next to
the negative terminal of the adjacent cell.
4.6 FLASH ARRESTORS
After the batteries have been positioned on the rack (but
before the inter-unit and inter-tier connections have been
made), replace the shipping caps with the provided
flame/flash arrestors.
4.7 CONTACT SURFACES
Gently clean the contact surfaces of the battery terminal
posts using a 3M Scotch Brite or similar scouring pad. Coat
the electrical contact surfaces lightly with provided No-Ox
grease.
4.8 ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS
Install the provided stainless steel hardware and torque the
cell connector (or terminal plate) to the post. Target
connection torque is 100 - 110 inch-lbs. (11.3-12.0 N-m). Re-
torque the stainless steel hardware 24 hours after the initial
tightening to allow for relaxation of the lead-hardware
connection.
Electrical connections must be clean to minimize voltage
drop and prevent connector heating.
If corrosion is
observed, DO NOT RE-TORQUE! The connection must be
disassembled, cleaned, neutralized, and then re-torqued.
Install the inter-tier cables as necessary. Do not connect
cables directly to the battery post. Utilize the terminal plates
provided for main terminal and inter-tier connections. Re-
check to be certain that the batteries are connected positive
terminal to negative terminal throughout the string. Before
connecting the battery string to the charger/load, measure
the total voltage at the battery terminals. The voltage should
be equal to the number of cells times the voltage of one cell.
For example, 60 cells times 2.09 volts per cell = 125.40 volts
(1.250 SG) or 60 cells times 2.05 volts per cell = 123.0 volts
(1.215 SG).
Individual cell voltage readings are possible with the removal
of the small black plastic caps on top of the battery cover.
These cell voltage caps can be removed gently with the use
of a pair of pliers. Initially, the cell voltage measurement
points maybe covered with epoxy. FIRMLY insert voltage
meter probes to establish a good connection/reading. When
individual cell voltage readings are completed, lightly coat
the measurement points with NO-OX grease and replace the
small black plastic caps.
4.9 CONNECTION RESISTANCE
Connection resistance or micro-ohm (µ Ω) measurements
should be taken at the time of installation and annually
thereafter.
Initial measurements at installation become
benchmark values. Future values are compared to this
benchmark as an indication of connection integrity.
Re-torque of connections should be performed annually or
when connection resistance increases to more than 20%
over the benchmark value.
4.10 INITIAL CHARGE
The first charge that the battery receives after shipping,
storage and installation is very important as it may affect the
life of the battery. Determine the maximum charge voltage
output that the charge system can provide and charge the
battery in the least amount of time possible according to
Table A. This maximum voltage divided by the number of
cells connected in series is the maximum charge voltage per
cell (VPC). If long periods of continuous charging are not
possible at the installation, (e.g. photovoltaic applications)
the battery should be charged where such capability exists.
The recommended times given in TABLE A are considered
minimum. Charge the cells until the charge current tapers
and stabilizes for 3 hours. Then, charge the battery for the
times and voltages given in TABLE A.
SECTION 5
5.0 EQUALIZING CHARGE
An equalizing charge is a special charge given to the battery
in operation when one of the following conditions exist:
• The specific gravity of cells is more than 10 points lower
than its full charge value.
• The on-charge voltage of any cell is more than 0.05 VPC
below the average.
• It is desired to recharge the battery in the least amount of
time possible.
• It has been a year since the last equalizing charge.
5.1. Equalize the cells until the charge current tapers and
stabilizes for 3 hours, then charge according to the values
given in TABLE B.
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