Installation Design for Valve-Regulated Sealed Lead-Acid Batteries in Generating Stations
Commercially available large-capacity valve-regulated sealed lead-acid batteries represent a novel technology for large stationary batteries for emergency power applications, using an oxygen recombinant cycle to inhibit the generation of hydrogen under normal operation. A discussion is presented of the installation design for these batteries, making comparisons to traditional vented lead-acid cells as appropriate. The operation of the valve-regulated sealed lead-acid battery is also described. >
Large-Capacity and Long-Life Sealed Lead-Acid Batteries for Telecommunications Systems
Lead-acid batteries used in telecommunications systems as a standby power sources play an important role in providing power in the event of commercial power failures. However, these batteries require numerous inspections and a great deal of manpower to maintain them. Therefore, reduction of labor involved in those maintenance has been requested. Sealed lead-acid batteries with a large capacity and a long life have been developed for telecommunications applications. They are safe and easily maintained. They have a maximum capacity of 3,000 Ah and are designed to have a life of over 10 years. Parameters such as plate thickness and electrolyte specific gravity were determined to attain the specified performance and life. Adhesives and rubber valves are made of reliable materials. Flame-retardant resin is applied to the battery container. Performance tests in laboratory and in telephone offices have confirmed that the sealed lead-acid batteries exhibit satisfactory characteristics and are sufficiently suited to telecommunications applications.
Sealed Lead-Acid Battery
During recharge of a lead-acid battery, initially evolves oxygen gas and later hydrogen gas. These characteristics are favorable for a sealed lead-acid battery with oxygen recombination reaction. Under a limited overcharging current, no hydrogen gas evolves at the negative plate resulting in reduced polarization and lower terminal voltage. Several hundred charge-discharge cycles or about five year floating services for the sealed battery can be expected. In Japan, about twenty million cells, mainly portable smaller ones, were produced last year. Stationary sealed batteries with capacity of 30 Ah to 100 Ah have been developed.