To help ensure reliability, stationary batteries need to be maintained and tested regularly. Even ‘maintenance free’ batteries require regular testing because they can deteriorate over time.
All it takes is one battery in the string to fail to take the entire string off-line; one bad battery will affect the usable life of adjacent batteries by raising their charge voltage. Worse still, a battery or interconnect with a high impedance could overheat, ignite or explode during a discharge. In addition to providing backup power, stationary batteries are increasingly used to store renewable energy, such as solar and wind. Those batteries are subject to the same potential degradation and need to be tested regularly.
Designed according to the IEEE standard 1188, which governs maintenance, testing and replacement procedures for valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA) batteries for stationary applications, Fluke’s 500 Series battery analysers are capable of measuring all kinds of stationary batteries, including GEL, AGM (absorbed glass MAT), lithium-ion and wet-cell lead-acid.
The three instruments in the range – BT 510/520/521 – offer improved impedance test performance even in high-ripple environments. Their intuitive user interface and intelligent test probes simplify the testing process by guiding technicians quickly through setups. The analysers offer a broad range of battery test functions including simultaneously measuring DC voltage while testing internal resistance, and full condition testing using automated string function testing.
The BT520 and BT521 include an intelligent test probe with an integrated LCD display that shows measurements right on the probe. Measurements can be captured automatically in sequence mode or manually by pressing the save button. The LCD display indicates that the measurement has been taken and saved and uses audible voice cues to indicate which measurements in the sequence have been made. The voice count battery ID identifies which battery is being tested to help keep track of progress, especially handy when testing a long string of batteries.
The BTL21 intelligent probe on the BT521 analyser adds an infrared temperature sensor to measure temperature and up to two other data points simultaneously – 1000 V d.c., 600 V a.c. or ripple – to provide a more complete view of battery health.
All 500 Series models feature ergonomic, two-prong test lead probes with a kelvin connection to ensure resistance measurement accuracy; replaceable tips to extend test lead life; and long-reach test probe extenders for testing double stacked battery cells. When testing is finished, the battery analysers can be plugged into a PC via the USB port and measurements exported using Fluke battery management software, allowing users to compare results, analyse trends and generate battery analysis reports.
The instruments are rugged by construction and come with a shoulder strap, belt strap and magnetic hanger to provide hands-free operation. Their lithium-ion battery delivers more than eight hours of continuous operation.
| Tel: | +27 10 595 1821 |
| Email: | [email protected] |
| www: | www.comtest.co.za |
| Articles: | More information and articles about Comtest |
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