User manual

14 www.enersys.com
Publication No: US-NP-AM-003 • January 2011
Genesis
®
NP Series batteries are truly efficient maintenance free electro-chemical systems and are designed to provide years
of trouble free service. Their performance and service life can be greatly maximized by observing the following guidelines.
Heat kills batteries. Avoid installation and/or
operation in close proximity to heat sources of any kind.
While the operating temperature range is -15°C to 50°C,
an ideal service life will be realized when the battery is
operated in an ambient temperature of 20°C (for cyclic
service applications, a range of 5°C to 35°C is
recommended).
If the battery is to be installed in an air or water tight
container, ventilation must be provided. Batteries may
generate ignitable gases which must not be contained.
Because of this, batteries should not be installed near
spark producing equipment.
WARNING - Do NOT use any type of oil, solvent, deter-
gent, petroleum- based solvent or ammonia solution to
clean the jars or covers. These materials will cause per-
manent damage to the battery jar and cover and will void
the warranty.
Soldering to the battery terminals is NOT recommended.
If soldering is unavoidable, it must be accomplished with-
in 3 seconds, using a maximum 100 watt soldering iron.
If installed in a heavy vibration or shock application, the
battery must be securely fastened with shock absorbing
materials.
Provide free air space between batteries when more than
two are grouped together. The recommended distance is
0.2" to 0.4" (5mm to 10mm).
Always wear insulated gloves when handling batteries;
especially when series and parallel connecting groups of
batteries.
When batteries are connected together in a series-parallel
arrangement, the inter-connecting cables must be of
equal length and resistance to insure equalization of the
load.
For maximum life expectancy, the R.M.S. ripple
current should be regulated to no more than 0.1C (10% of
battery's rating).
Do not crush, incinerate or dismantle the battery. The
electrolyte contains sulfuric acid which can cause serious
damage to eyes and skin. Should this occur, flush
profusely with water and seek medical attention.
Mixing batteries of different capacities, age and/or
manufacture is not recommended. Please consult with an
application engineer if it is unavoidably necessary.
Battery life is dependent on its operating conditions.
Please refer to the life curves published in this
Applications Manual. These curves represent typical
results under optimum operating conditions. Actual life
will vary greatly due to variability of these conditions. To
obtain optimum battery performance for standby service,
EnerSys recommends that within five years of use, the NP
batteries be replaced.
Observe the external appearance of the battery. If, at any
time, cracks, deformation or other damage is found on the
battery case or cover, or if any leakage of the electrolyte is
observed, immediately replace the battery.
Note: If a battery with any irregular appearance as
stated above is used continuously, a decrease in
capacity, leak age of electrolyte, short circuits and
a potential for a smoke and/or fire incident may occur.
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Tips and Precautions
Glossary of Terms
Active Material The active electro-chemical materials used in the manufacture of
positive and negative electrodes.
Ambient Temperature The average temperature seen by the battery.
Ambient Capacity
The capacity from the battery based on its state of charge, rate of
discharge, and ambient temperature.
Battery
Two or more cells, series connected together. A single cell is some
times referred to as a battery.
C-Rate
A current rate expressed in amperes or milliamperes, in direct
relation to a battery's ampere hour rating. Ex: 6 Ah rating, 1C = 6
amps; 3C = 18 Amps; 0.05C = 300 milliamps.
CA C Ampere; the C-rate of a battery measured in amperes.
Capacity Fade Loss of capacity due to inadequate recharging.
Cell
The minimum unit of which a storage battery is composed. Note:
The nominal voltage of a single lead acid cell is 2.0 volts.
Closed Circuit Voltage Test
A test method in which the battery is briefly discharged at a constant
current while the voltage is measured.
Constant Voltage Charge A method of charging batteries by applying a fixed voltage and
allowing the current to vary. Recommended for sealed lead
acid batteries. (Also called constant potential charge).
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