Alpha Lomain Ni-Cd Pocket Plate Battery

Technical Manual
Effective: July 2009

Alpha Technologies
Power
Alpha Technologies ®
 Alpha Lomain Ni-Cd Pocket Plate Battery
Technical Manual

745-680-B10-001, Rev. A

Effective Date: July, 2009

Copyright© 2009
Alpha Technologies, Inc.
member of The GroupTM

NOTE:
Photographs contained in this manual are for illustrative purposes only. These photographs may not match
your installation.

NOTE:
Operator is cautioned to review the drawings and illustrations contained in this manual before proceeding. If
there are questions regarding the safe operation of this powering system, please contact Alpha Technologies
or your nearest Alpha representative.

NOTE:
Alpha shall not be held liable for any damage or injury involving its enclosures, power supplies, generators,
batteries, or other hardware if used or operated in any manner or subject to any condition not consistent with
its intended purpose, or is installed or operated in an unapproved manner, or improperly maintained.

Contacting Alpha Technologies: www.alpha.com

or
For general product information and customer service (7 AM to 5 PM, Pacific Time), call
1-800-863-3930,
For complete technical support, call
1-800-863-3364
7 AM to 5 PM, Pacific Time or 24/7 emergency support

745-680-B10-001 Rev. A 3
 Table of Contents
Safety Notes........................................................................................................................... 6

Battery Safety Precautions..................................................................................................... 7

1.0 Introduction.................................................................................................................. 9
1.1 Alpha Lomain Theory of Operation.......................................................................11
1.2 Safety terminal . .................................................................................................. 14
1.3 Electrode Frame.................................................................................................. 14
1.4 Positive and negative electrode plate ................................................................. 14
1.5 Electrolyte ........................................................................................................... 15

2.0 Battery range and applications ...................................................................................... 16

3.0 Electrochemistry of Ni-Cd batteries ............................................................................... 16

4.0 Operating Features ....................................................................................................... 17

4.1 Capacity............................................................................................................... 17
4.2 Cell voltage ......................................................................................................... 17
4.3 Internal resistance .............................................................................................. 17
4.4 Impact of temperature on cell performance and available capacity ................... 18
4.5 Impact of temperature on lifetime ....................................................................... 19
4.6 Short-circuit values ............................................................................................. 19
4.7 Open circuit loss.................................................................................................. 19
4.8 Cycling ................................................................................................................ 20
4.9 Topping up interval ............................................................................................. 21

5.0 Sizing the batteries for standby applications.................................................................. 22

5.1 Voltage window.................................................................................................... 22
5.2 Load profile.......................................................................................................... 22
5.3 Ambient temperature........................................................................................... 22
5.4 Recharge time and state of charge..................................................................... 22
5.5 Aging.................................................................................................................... 22
5.6 Floating effect -Voltage depression..................................................................... 23

4 745-680-B10-001 Rev. A
 Table of Contents
6.0 Charging ........................................................................................................................ 24
6.1 Constant voltage charge...................................................................................... 24
6.2 Charge acceptance............................................................................................. 25
6.3 Charge efficiency ................................................................................................ 26
6.4 Temperature influence......................................................................................... 26

7.0 Commissioning .............................................................................................................. 27

7.1 Commissioning with constant current ................................................................. 27
7.2 Commissioning with constant voltage ................................................................ 27

8.0 Charging in operation .................................................................................................... 28

8.1. Two level charge................................................................................................. 28
8.2. Single level charge ............................................................................................ 28

9.0 Periodic Maintenance..................................................................................................... 28

Figures and Tables

Fig. 1, Design of an Alpha Lomain Ni-Cd pocket plate cell ................................................................. 10
Fig. 2, Detail of plate design..................................................................................................................11
Fig. 3, Battery Vent............................................................................................................................... 12
Fig. 4, Exploded view, Battery vent...................................................................................................... 12
Fig. 5, Smaller Capacity Batteries........................................................................................................ 13
Fig. 6, Larger Capacity Batteries.......................................................................................................... 13
Fig. 7, Terminal cross-section............................................................................................................... 14
Fig. 8, Electrode Strip........................................................................................................................... 14
Fig. 9, Strips connected........................................................................................................................ 15
Fig. 10, NiCd vs. Lead-Acid performance as a function of temperature............................................... 18
Fig. 11, Discharge curve of 45A x 4 KGL225P post-2224h Float Charge @ 50°C............................... 18
Fig. 12, Battery life at higher temperatures as percentage of +25°C lifetime....................................... 19
Fig. 13, Cycle life vs. depth of discharge as a percentage of rated capacity (20°C)............................ 20
Fig. 14, Available 5-hour-capacity of 5 x KGM 140P after 15 hours charging at 1.43 V/pc at 30°C..... 25
Fig. 15, Total Discharge time 4:43h = 94% of nominal capacity........................................................... 25
Fig. 16, Available 5-hour-capacity of 5 x KGL 665P after 15 hours charging at 1.43 V/pc at 30°C...... 25
Fig. 17, Total Discharge time 4:15h = 85% of nominal capacity........................................................... 25

745-680-B10-001 Rev. A 5
 Safety Notes
Review the drawings and illustrations contained in this manual before proceeding. If there are any questions
regarding the safe installation or operation of this product, contact Alpha Technologies or the nearest Alpha
representative. Save this document for future reference.
To reduce the risk of injury or death, and to ensure the continued safe operation of this product, the following
symbols have been placed throughout this manual. Where these symbols appear, use extra care and
attention.

ATTENTION:
The use of ATTENTION indicates specific regulatory/code requirements that may affect the placement of
equipment and /or installation procedures.

NOTE:
A NOTE provide additional information to help complete a specific task or procedure.

CAUTION!

The use of CAUTION indicates safety information intended to PREVENT DAMAGE to material
or equipment.

WARNING!

WARNING presents safety information to PREVENT INJURY OR DEATH to the

technician or user.

6 745-680-B10-001 Rev. A
 Battery Safety Precautions
WARNING!
Service personnel must always wear protective clothing (e.g., rubber gloves, safety goggles
with side guards, or a face shield) when working with electrolyte and on cells / batteries.

• The battery pack, which provides backup power, contains dangerous voltages. Only
qualified personnel should inspect, service or replace batteries.
• If batteries are being stored prior to installation, charge at least once every six (6)
months to ensure optimum performance and maximum battery service life.
• Reduce the chance of spark and wear on the connectors; always switch the
inverter’s battery circuit breaker off before connecting or disconnecting the battery
pack
• Always use proper lifting techniques whenever handling batteries.
• In the event of a short-circuit, batteries present a risk of electrical shock and burns
from high current. Observe proper safety precautions. Always carry a supply of
water, such as a water jug, to wash the eyes or skin in the event of exposure to
battery electrolyte.
• The battery must be kept clean using only water. Do not use a wire brush or solvents
of any kind.

NOTE:
Once the battery has been filled with the correct electrolyte at the factory there is no need to
periodically check the electrolyte density

• Check regularly (appr. every year) that all connectors, nuts and screws are tightly
fastened. All metal parts of the battery should be corrosion-protected by coating with
a thin layer of anti-corrosion grease. Do not coat any plastic part of the battery, for
example, the cell cases.
• Check the charging voltage. If a battery is parallel connected it is important that
the recommended charging voltage remains unchanged. The charging current in
the strings should also be checked to ensure it is equal. These checks has to be
carried out once a year. High water consumption of the battery is usually caused by
improper voltage setting of the charger.

745-680-B10-001 Rev. A 7
 Battery Safety Precautions, continued
• Check the electrolyte temperature from time to time. The temperature of the
electrolyte should never exceed 45 °C as higher temperatures have a detrimental
effect on the function and duration of the cells. In the course of charging an
electrolyte temperature of ≤ 35 °C should be aimed for. On exceeding 45 °C the
charging should be temporarily interrupted until the electrolyte temperature falls
down to 35 °C. The temperature measurements are to be made on one of the cells
in the middle of the battery. Low ambient or electrolyte temperatures down to –25
°C do not have any detrimental effect on the battery they just cause a temporary
reduction in capacity.
• NiCd batteries must not be stored in the same room as lead acid batteries. Also, the
charging gases from lead acid batteries must be kept away from Ni-Cd batteries by
suitable precautions such as ventilation or hermetic isolation of the rooms. Tools for
lead acid batteries must not be used for NiCd batteries
• Do not place electrically conductive objects (e.g., tools) on the battery as this is a
short circuit and fire hazard.
• Do not wear rings, metal bracelets, watches, or jewelry when working with the
batteries and battery systems.
• Provide sufficient ventilation (e.g., open the doors of the battery cabinet) during
charging so any accumulated gases can escape. The charging gases from batteries
are explosive.
• Do not allow open fire or ember in the vicinity of the battery.
• Caustic potash solution is used as electrolyte, and is a highly corrosive liquid which
can cause severe damage to health if it comes into contact with the eyes or the
skin (risk of blinding). If even small quantities are swallowed there is a possibility of
internal injuries.
• Contact with the eyes: Flush out immediately with copious amounts of water for 10
to 15 minutes, and seek immediate medical attention.
• Contact with the skin: Remove splashed clothing immediately and wash the affected
skin areas with copious amounts of water, and seek immediate medical attention.
• Swallowing: Rinse out the mouth immediately with large amounts of water and
keep drinking large amounts of water. Do not induce vomiting, and seek immediate
medical attention.

8 745-680-B10-001 Rev. A
 1.0 Introduction
The Alpha Lomain Ni-Cd pocket plate battery is one of the most reliable batteries available and is
well-suited for operation under extreme environmental conditions. Features of the Alpha Lomain
Ni-Cd pocket plate battery include the following:

• Very good high power rating.

• Low internal resistance.

• Reduced loss of capacity at deep temperature.

• No ice formation at temperatures below 0 °C.

• Long lifetime at high temperatures.

• Resistant to the affects of repeated deep discharges.

• Long shelf life.

• No electrolyte stratification.

• Robust construction makes the battery well-suited for use in extreme conditions.

745-680-B10-001 Rev. A 9
 1.0 Introduction, continued

1
2

Low-pressure, flame-arresting vent; prevents

1
carbonate formation. 3
Safety terminal; Redundant leak protection
2
minimizes carbonate formation.

Electrode Edge; connected to pole bolt via

3
hardware for high mechanical stability

Horizontal pockets; formed by perforated steel

4
4
strips containing the active material.

Electrode frame; Comprised of electrode edge 5

5 and side bars. Seals the plates and serves as a
current collector 6
Fiber mat separator; special separator
6 insulates the plates and improves the internal
recombination.

Fig. 1, Design of a Alpha Lomain Ni-Cd pocket plate cell

10 745-680-B10-001 Rev. A
 1.0 Introduction, continued

1.1 Theory of Operation

A standard Ni-Cd flooded battery type needs to be topped up with distilled water after a
certain period of time depending on charging regime and operating temperature. The loss of
water during overcharge is caused by the following chemical reaction:

At the positive plate 4OH-→ 2H2O + O2 + 4e -Oxygen Evolution

At the negative plate 4H2O + 4e -→ 2H2 + 4OH-Hydrogen Evolution

In theory, the quantity of water used according to Faraday’s equation is that each ampere
hour of overcharge breaks down 0.336 cm3 of water. While charging a Ni-Cd battery oxygen
evolution occurs just before the positive plate reaches its fully state of charge and reaches
its peak if it becomes fully charged. Since the negative plate provides a much better charge
acceptance than the positive plate hydrogen is not evolved until it has reached its
fully-charged state.

In order to reduce the water consumption Alpha Lomain-concept has been developed based
on four distinctive key features:

Plate design

Seperation system

Venting system

Cell design

Special plate design

Alpha Lomain batteries have been designed with an excess of negative material (cadmium)
to ensure that oxygen evolution occurs prior to hydrogen evolution to enhance the above
mentioned effect.

Felt seperator

Oversized negative plate

Fig. 2, Detail of plate design

745-680-B10-001 Rev. A 11
 1.0 Introduction, continued

1.1 Theory of Operation, continued

Special seperation system

The oxygen created at the positive plate is absorbed by a special felt seperator and
prevented to escape from the distance between the plates. Displacement of electrolyte
by oxygen boubles occur within the seperator and reach the surface of the negative plate
causing the following reaction:

Chemically:

2Cd + O2+ 2H2O → 2Cd(OH)2

This reaction chemically discharges a certain amount of cadmium to cadmium

hydroxide. The current going through the battery recharges this material.

Electrochemically:

O2+ 2H2O+ 4e → 4OH

This reaction consumes the current directly; that is, hydrogen evolution at the
negative plate is prevented since the preferred reaction is oxygen recombination.

Special venting system

The battery cells are equipped with a low pressure flame arresting vent which operates as
a one way valve and allows to escape hydrogen and non-recombined oxygen and fixes the
internal pressure at 0.2 bar.

Porous disc

Pressure rubber

Plastic particles

Fig. 3, Battery Vent

Sealing ring

Fig. 4, Exploded view, Battery vent

12 745-680-B10-001 Rev. A
 1.0 Introduction, continued

1.1 Theory of Operation, continued

Single cell design

Due to the pressure inside of the battery cell, which is needed to reach a high recombination
level, a sturdy cell design is necessary to prevent leakage. The cells of the Lomain battery
are injection-molded from a single piece of plastic to prevent leakage of the cell casing and
the seams (welded or glued) of the cell cases and the lids are above the electrolyte level. The
single cell design completely eliminates the risk of faulty welded seams on the sides and on
the bottom of the cell cases. This design enhances system economy as it enables the service
personnel to replace only the defective cell(s).

1 1

3
3 2
2

Fig. 5, Smaller Capacity Batteries Fig. 6, Larger Capacity Batteries

1 Sealed seams (glued or welded above Electrolyte level)

2 One piece case
3 Electrolyte level

745-680-B10-001 Rev. A 13
 1.0 Introduction, continued

1.2 Safety terminal

Tha Alpha Lomain battery features a specially developed terminal design with a redundant
leak protection to prevent electrolyte leakage. The battery terminals may be either male
of female threaded, depending upon the type and range of the battery. In either case, the
polarity of the terminals will be clearly indicated (color-coded).

Fig. 7, Terminal cross section

1.3 Electrode Frame

The electrode frame consists of a right and a left side bar as well as the electrode edge
which are connected by welding, giving shape to the electrode frame. The electrode frame
operates as a current collector and also seals the electrode plates. This procedure leads to
an electrode design with high mechanical robustness but also ensures a reliable service for
the complete lifetime of the battery.

1.4 Positive and negative electrode plate

The nickel-cadmium cell is composed of the positive plates containing nickel hydroxide and
the negative plates containing cadmium hydroxide.
Individual pockets are formed from a nickel plated and perforated steel tape (pocket tape)
and house strips of the active material.

1 Pocket tape
2 Active material

Fig. 8, Electrode Strip

14 745-680-B10-001 Rev. A
 1.0 Introduction, continued

1.4 Positive and negative electrode plate, continued

The electrode strips are mechanically linked together to form the electrode plate and are
consecutively cut to the appropriate width based on the cell type and range. The plates then
are welded or mechanically linked to the plate frame (see Fig. 8) to form the electrodes, then
assembled to the plate block.

The extemely long useful lifetime and the very good cycle life features of the Ni-Cd pocket
plate batteries are a direct result of the special plate designs whose structural components
are made of steel.

1
2
1

1 Electrode Strips
2 Mechanical Linkage

Fig. 9, Strips connected

This prevents the gradual deterioration by corrosion. Because the alkaline electrolyte does
not react with steel, the substructure of the battery remains intact for the total lifetime of the
battery. The integrity of the substructure is maintained by surrounding the electrochemical
active mass in perforated nickel-steel pockets, reducing the risk of shedding or penetration of
material as well as the risk of structural damage. Also, this design allows for the control of soft
short circuits.

1.5 Electrolyte
The electrolyte used in the Ni-Cd batteries is a solution of potassium hydroxide and lithium
hydroxide that is optimized to give the best combination of performance, energy efficiency
and a wide temperature range of use.
It is an important property of the battery, and indeed all nickel-cadmium batteries, that the
electrolyte does not change during charge and discharge. It retains its ability to transfer ions
between the cell plates, irrespective of the charge level.
In most applications the electrolyte will retain its effectiveness for the life of the battery and
will never need replacing. However, under certain conditions, such as extended use in high
temperature situations, the electrolyte can become carbonated. If this occurs the battery
performance can be improved by replacing the electrolyte (see ·Maintenance and Handling
Instructions“).

745-680-B10-001 Rev. A 15
 2.0 Battery range and applications

The Alpha Lomain cell type is used for low rates of discharge over
long periods where the current is relatively low in comparison with
LOMAIN KGL...P the total stored energy. The discharges can generally be infrequent
and the recommend discharge time for the KGL...P range is 1 hour
to 100 hours.

The KGM...P type battery is designed for “mixed loads” that include a
mixture of high and low rates of discharge. It is used for frequent and
LOMAIN KGM...P infrequent discharges and the recommended discharge time is 30 to
120 minutes.

3.0 Electrochemistry of Ni-Cd batteries

Oxidation of cadmium at the negative electrode
–
Cd Cd + 2e
2+

Reduction of trivalent nickel ions to bivalent at the positive electrode

Ni3+ + e­­– Ni2+

During charging the both reactions are reversed.

The complete reaction is: indicated below:

Negative electrode:

Cd + 2 OH– Cd(OH)2 + 2e–

Positive electrode

2NiOOH + 2 H2O + 2e– Cd(OH)2 + 2e–

Cell reaction

2NiOOH + Cd + 2 H2O 2Ni(OH)2 + Cd(OH)2

16 745-680-B10-001 Rev. A
 4.0 Operating Features
4.1 Capacity
The capacity of Nickel-Cadmium batteries is rated in ampere-hours (Ah) and is the quantity of
electricity at +20 °C (± 5 °C) available for a 5 hour discharge after being fully charged for 15
hours at 0.2C5. These figures and procedures are based on the IEC 62259 standard.

According to IEC 62259, 0.2C5A is also expressed as 0.2 ItA. The reference test current It is
expressed as:
ItA= Cn Ah 1h

Cn is the rated capacity declared by the manufacturer in ampere-hours (Ah) n is the

time based in hours (h) for which the rated capacity is declared

4.2 Cell voltage

The cell voltage of a Ni-Cd cell is the result of the electrochemical potentials of the Nickel and
the Cadmium active materials in the Potassium hydroxide electrolyte. Therefore, the nominal
voltage for this electrochemical couple is 1.2 V. From the electrochemistry of the reaction
given above, the free voltage of 1.3 V is given for the Ni-Cd cell. This voltage is also observed
directly after charging of the cell.

4.3 Internal resistance

The internal resistance of a Ni-Cd cell is dependant upon several factors, e.g., battery
temperature, state of discharge (whether high or low), cell type and size. The internal
resistance also depends on the cell type and size as well; it increases for lower state of
charge. Apart from this the internal resistance of a fully discharged cell no carries weight.
Reducing the temperature also increases the internal resistance. Contact your local
representative for specific information regarding conditions that may affect the battery.

745-680-B10-001 Rev. A 17
 4.0 Operating Features, continued

4.4 Impact of temperature on cell performance and available

capacity
When sizing and choosing a battery the variations in ambient temperature and their influence
on the cell performance have to be taken into consideration. Low ambient temperature
conditions reduce the cell performance. However, operations with higher temperatures are
similar to those at normal temperatures. Lomain next generation batteries offer improved
values especially at high temperature applications. The effects of low-temperature operation
increase with higher rates of discharge.

Fig. 10, NiCd vs. Lead-Acid performance as a function of temperature

The values, which have to be taken into account, can be found in the following graph.
Lomain next generation batteries passed a long term temperature test at constant +50°C
surrounding temperature followed by a discharge test out of the float mode as indicated on
the chart below.

Fig. 11, Discharge curve of 45A x 4 KGL225P post-2224h Float Charge @ +50°C

18 745-680-B10-001 Rev. A
 4.0 Operating Features, continued

4.5 Impact of temperature on lifetime

Operating battery systems at higher temperatures reduces the service life. The Alpha Lomain
Ni-Cd battery is designed to be less susceptible to the affects of higher temperatures than
lead-acid batteries as shown by the following graph.

Fig. 12, Battery life at higher temperatures as percentage of +25°C lifetime

For standard Ni-Cd batteries the normal operating temperature is based at + 20 °C (± 5 °C)
and, therefore, special considerations have to be taken into account when specifying a Ni-Cd
battery for high temperature applications.

4.6 Short-circuit values

The short-circuit values of a Alpha Lomain Ni-Cd pocket plate battery are unique to each cell
range. Contact your dealer for specific information.

4.7 Open circuit loss

The state of charge of a cell on open circuit slowly decreases due to its self-discharge.
This decrease is quite rapid during the first two weeks and then stabilizes at about 2% per
month at +20°C.
In general the self-discharge of a Ni-Cd battery is affected by various temperatures. The open
circuit loss is reduced at low temperatures; that is, the self-discharge is significantly increased
at higher temperatures.

745-680-B10-001 Rev. A 19
 4.0 Operating Features, continued

4.8 Cycling
The Alpha Lomain Ni-Cd battery is designed to perform a significant number of charge-
discharge cycles in stationary standby operations.
The determining factor for the number of charge-discharge cycles the battery is able to
provide is the depth of discharge.
A battery that is less deeply discharged will provide more charge-discharge cycles until it
reaches the point at which it can no longer provide the minimum design limit.
Conversely, a battery that has been more deeply discharged will have a shorter charge-
discharge cycle life.
The graph below illustrates typical values for the effect of depth of discharge on the available
charge-discharge cycle life.

Fig. 13, Cycle life vs. depth of discharge as a percentage of rated capacity (20°C)

20 745-680-B10-001 Rev. A
 4.0 Operating Features, continued

4.9 Topping up interval

At the final stage of the charging procedure of a Ni-Cd battery the provided electrical energy
cannot be fully absorbed but is absolutely necessary to reach the fully charged state of
the cells. The difference between absorbed and provided energy leads to a break down of
the electrolyte’s water content into oxygen and hydrogen (electrolysis). This loss has to be
compensated by topping up the cells with pure distilled water.
The water loss depends on the current used for overcharging. A battery on standby operation
will consume less water than a battery that is cycled constantly, (e.g., a battery which is
discharged and recharged on a regular basis).
In theory, the quantity of water used can be found by Faraday’s equation that each ampere
hour of overcharge breaks down 0.336 cm3 of water. Depending upon the operating
temperature of the battery and the charging conditions, the Alpha Lomain battery has a
recombination rate of 90%.

Calculation of topping up interval for KGL 1390:

A cell (KGL 1390P) is floated at 1.41 V/cell
The electrolyte reserve for this cell is approx. 8730 cm³
A standard cell at 1.41 V/cell will use approx. 0.025 cm³/month for 1Ah of capacity
When the KGL 1390P reaches a 90% recombination rate which means the use will only be
0.025 cm³/month for 1 Ah of capacity
Therefore, a KGL 1390P battery will use 0.025 x 1390 = 34.75 cm³ per month and the
electrolyte reserve will be used in 8730/34.75 (approx. 251 months)
Or, approximately 21 years at 20°C

745-680-B10-001 Rev. A 21
 5.0 Sizing method for standby applications
The Lomain Ni-Cd pocket-plate batteries used for standby floating applications are sized according
to the international sizing method IEEE 1115. A special battery sizing calculation program (available
at www.url here.com ) that allows sizing calculations to be made allowing for multiple discharges, and
factors such as temperature de-rating and aging.
A significant feature and advantage of the Ni-Cd battery in comparison to the lead acid battery is that
it can be fully discharged without any reduction in the lifetime or recharge of the battery. This feature
enables the battery to operate for longer periods between charges.
The most important sizing parameters are:

5.1 Voltage window

This is the minimum and maximum voltage acceptable for the system. The maximum voltage
provides the voltage that is available to charge the battery, whereas, the minimum voltage
gives the lowest voltage acceptable to the system to that the battery can be discharged.

5.2 Load profile

The load profile is the electrical performance required by the system from the battery for
the particular application. It can be expressed in terms of amperes for certain duration or in
watts for certain duration. The requirements might vary for example from just one discharge
to multiple discharge of a complex nature. In order to calculate the appropriated battery size
please take into consideration point 5.1 voltage window.

5.3 Ambient temperature

The ambient temperature will have in any case an influence on the sizing of the battery (see
Section 4.4, “Impact of temperature on cell performance available Capacity” and Section 4.5
“Impact of temperature on lifetime”).

5.4 Recharge time and state of charge

Some application might require a full discharge cycle of the battery after a certain time
after the previous discharge. The factors to be taken into account depend on the depth of
discharge, the rate of discharge as well as the charging conditions.

5.5 Aging
It might be required that a value has to be added to ensure the correct service of the battery
during the lifetime. The value to be used depends on the discharge rate of the battery and
on the conditions under which is carried out. Our experts or partners are able to help you
chosing the right battery for your special requirements.

22 745-680-B10-001 Rev. A
 5.0 Sizing method for Standby Applications, continued

5.6 Floating effect -Voltage depression

When a Ni-Cd battery operates at a fixed floating voltage over a certain period of time,
a decrease of the voltage level of the discharge curve occurs. It begins after one week
and reaches its peak in approximately 3 months. Since this effect reduces the voltage
level of the battery it can be considered as reducing the performance and autonomy of
the battery. Therefore, it is necessary to take this effect into consideration when sizing a
Lomain Ni-Cd battery. The calculation program allows this factor to be included into the
customers´calculation. The floating effect is a reversible effect and can only be eliminated by
a full discharge/charge cycle. Please note that it cannot be prevented by just a boost charge.
The battery sizing program provides the option to calculate with and without this floating
effect so that the customer is able to see the added values. Our recommendation is always to
include this factor when sizing a battery.

745-680-B10-001 Rev. A 23
 6.0 Charging
The Lomain Ni-Cd battery can generally be charged by all normal methods. Usually, batteries in
parallel operation with charger and load are charged with constant voltage. For operations where the
battery is charged separately from the load, charging with constant current is possible. Overcharging
will not damage the battery but will lead to an increase of water consumption.

6.1 Constant voltage charge

The common method to charge a battery in stationary applications is carried out by a
constant voltage system and the recommended solution is to use a two-rate type that is
able to provide a constant voltage charge and a lower floating voltage or single rate floating
voltage. The two level charger has an high voltage stage to charge the battery properly after
a discharge followed by a lower voltage float level charge. This results in a quick charge of
the battery and in relatively low water consumption due to the low level float charge.

Two level charge

Boost charge: 1.45 Floating 1.40 – 1.42 V/cell

A high voltage will increase the speed and efficiency of recharging the battery.

In reality often single level charger can be found. This is surely a compromise
between a voltage high enough to charge the battery and low enough to have
adequate water consumption.

Single level charge

1.43 – 1.45 V/cell

For commisioning the batteries, please see Section 7.0, “Commissioning”.

24 745-680-B10-001 Rev. A
 6.0 Charging, continued

6.2 Charge acceptance

Lomain next generation batteries offer improved charging acceptance even in high
temperature applications.
Available 5-hour-capacity of 5 x KGL 665P after 15 room hours charging at 1.43 V/pc at 30°C
room temperature temperature.

Fig. 14, Available 5-hour-capacity of 5 x KGM 140P after 15 hours charging at 1.43 V/pc at 30°C

Fig. 15, Total Discharge time 4:43h = 94% of nominal capacity

Fig. 16, Available 5-hour-capacity of 5 x KGL 665P after 15 hours charging at 1.43 V/pc at 30°C

Fig. 17, Total Discharge time 4:15h = 85% of nominal capacity

745-680-B10-001 Rev. A 25
 6.0 Charging, continued

6.3 Charge efficiency

The charge efficiency depends mostly on the state of charge of the battery and the ambient
temperature as well as the charging current. For much of its charge profile the Ni-Cd battery
is charged at a high level of efficiency. As the battery approaches a fully charged condition,
the charging efficiency decreases.

6.4 Temperature influence

The electrochemical behavior of the battery becomes more active if temperature increases,
i.e. for the same floating voltage the current increases. If the temperature decreases the
reverse occurs. Increasing the current increases the consumption of water and reducing the
current could lead to an insufficient charging.
For standby application it is normally not necessary to compensate the charging voltage with
the temperature. In order to reduce the water consumption it is recommended to compensate
it at elevated temperature as for example from + 35 °C on by use of the negative temperature
coefficient of −3mV/K and cell.
For operation at low temperatures, i.e. below 0 °C, there is a risk of poor charging and it
is recommended to adjust the charging voltage or to compensate the charging with the
temperature (-3 mV/K, starting from an ambient temperature of + 20 °C).
Example:
A 110 V battery consisting of 90 cells is charged at + 20°C with a 1.41 V/cell float modus
making a total float voltage of 127 V/battery. The same battery will be charged with just 121.6
V/battery at + 40°C and with 132.4V/battery at 0°C.

26 745-680-B10-001 Rev. A
 7.0 Commissioning

The following instructions are valid for commissioning while 20 °C till 30 °C. For different conditions
please contact manufacturer. Charge at constant current is preferable. If a site test is requested it has
to be carried out in accordance with to IEC 62259.
According to IEC 62259, 0.1C5A is also expressed as 0.1 ItA. The reference test current It is
expressed as: ItA= Cn Ah 1h

Example:

ItA means:

10 A for a 100 Ah battery

50 A for a 500 Ah battery

7.1 Commissioning with constant current

Lomain cells stored up to 6 months:
A commissioning charge is normally not required and the cells are ready for service. If full
performance is necessary immediately, a commissioning charge of 10 hours at 0.1 It A is
recommended.
During the charge the temperature should be observed see Section 5.3, “Ambient
temperature”.

Lomain cells stored more than 6 months and up to 1 year:

A commissioning charge of 15 hours at 0.1 It A is necessary.
During the charge the temperature should be observed see Section 5.3, “Ambient
temperature”.

7.2 Commissioning with constant voltage

If the charger´s maximum voltage setting is to low to supply constant current charging divide
the battery into two parts to be charged individually.

Lomain cells stored up to 6 months:

A commissioning charge is normally not required and the cells are ready for service. If full
performance is necessary immediately, a commissioning charge of 20 hours at 1,65 V/
cell with current limited to 0.1 It A is recommended.

During the charge the temperature should be observed see Section 5.3, “Ambient
temperature”.

Lomain cells stored more than 6 months and up to 1 year:

A commissioning charge of 30 hours at 1.65 V/cell with current limited to 0.1 ItA is
necessary.

During the charge the temperature should be observed see Section 5.3, “Ambient
temperature”.

745-680-B10-001 Rev. A 27
 8.0 Charging in operation
Do not open or remove the low pressure vent caps during operation. The current limit should be 0.1 It
A maximum in general. Recommended charging voltages for ambient temperatures + 20°C to + 25°C
are:

8.1. Two level charge

Float level: 1.40 – 1.42 V/cell
High level: 1.45 V/cell

8.2. Single level charge

1.40 – 1,42 V/cell
For temperatures higher than +25 °C, the correcting factor for charge voltage is –3
mV/K.

9.0 Periodic Maintenance

Alpha Lomain are extreme low maintenance batteries and requrire a minimum of maintenance. The
following is recommended:
The battery must be kept clean using only water. Do not use a wire brush or solvents of any kind.
Check regularly (appr. every year) that all connectors, nuts and screws are tightly fastened. All metal
parts of the battery should be corrosion-protected by coating with a thin layer of anti-corrosion
grease. Do not coat any plastic part of the battery, (e.g., the cell cases).
Check the charging voltage. If a battery is parallel connected it is important that the recommended
charging voltage remains unchanged. The charging current in the strings should also be checked
to ensure it is equal. These checks has to be carried out once a year. High water consumption of
the battery is usually caused by improper voltage setting of the charger.
Check the electrolyte temperature from time to time. The temperature of the electrolyte should never
exceed 45 °C as higher temperatures have a detrimental effect on the function and duration of
the cells. In the course of charging an electrolyte temperature of ≤ 35 °C should be aimed for. On
exceeding 45 °C the charging should be temporarily interrupted until the electrolyte temperature
falls down to 35 °C. The temperature measurements are to be made on one of the cells in the
middle of the battery. Low ambient or electrolyte temperatures down to –25 °C do not have any
detrimental effect on the battery they just cause a temporary reduction in capacity.

28 745-680-B10-001 Rev. A
Power
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Copyright © 2009 Alpha Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved. Alpha is a registered trademark of Alpha Technologies. 745-680-B10-001 Rev. A.