Power Electronics / Power Management


Tips for resolving common battery faults

27 March 2019 Power Electronics / Power Management

Forbatt SA not only provides high-quality batteries but advises on maintaining batteries and prolonging their lifespan. The following is a quick guide for how to spot and resolve common battery faults that one might encounter while using batteries in UPS and/or telecommunications applications.

Reduced run time or backup time

When one or more batteries are below capacity it will result in reduced run time or backup time, which is a sign that maintenance is required. The best way to resolve this will be to discharge all the batteries to 10,5 V, then fully charge and discharge again, and then repeat these steps two more times. A battery that cannot recover to its full capacity needs to be replaced.

Terminal colour change/ burn marks

Battery terminal damage is a common fault that can be easily spotted by visually inspecting the terminals. Also check if there are any colour changes or burn marks on the battery, colour changes in the terminal glue or melted grease on the terminals. If the terminals are not damaged they can be cleaned and reassembled. If they are damaged the battery needs to be replaced.

Terminal corrosion

Terminal corrosion may be caused by some residual electrolyte that remained on the terminals during manufacturing or the electrolyte may be leaking. To resolve this, you need to disassemble the connection and clean the terminals. Then seal the terminals with oxidation grease and reassemble the connection securely. If leakage is detected and the terminals are corroded, the battery needs to be replaced.

Battery container cracked

Impact damage to a battery due to it being dropped or struck by something will usually cause the battery casing to crack. In such cases the damaged battery needs to be replaced.

Zero voltage or no current

Incorrect usage of the battery is most likely to cause short circuits. The good news is that short circuits can be detected and resolved by cutting open the battery to check if there are any cells that may have short-circuited.

If there are two or more cells that have short-circuited, then this may have been caused through human error (incorrect usage). If there is only one cell that has short-circuited, and the cell cross-bridge is melted, this may also have been caused by human error. If the cast-on strap or cross-bridge has any irregular cracks, it is defective.

Very low voltage or zero voltage

Very low to zero voltage may be a sign that the battery might contain foreign material. To verify this, the battery needs to be cut open to see if there is any foreign material inside it that may have caused damage to the cells. Take note of the following points when inspecting the cells:

1. Is the top cover of the battery cracked?

2. Are there any traces of holes and repairs on the battery container?

3. Has the top cover been re-sealed?

Knowledge is power – make the right choices to prolong your batteries.



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

3-terminal filters for automotive applications
RS South Africa Power Electronics / Power Management
TDK has expanded its YFF series of 3-terminal filters for automotive applications to include higher voltages up to 35 V and higher capacitances up to 4,7 µF.

Read more...
Simple battery charger ICs for any chemistry
Altron Arrow Editor's Choice Power Electronics / Power Management
The LTC4162 is a highly integrated, high voltage multi-chemistry synchronous monolithic step-down battery charger and PowerPath manager with onboard telemetry functions and optional maximum power point tracking.

Read more...
Why your PoE budget could make or break your next installation
Power Electronics / Power Management
In South Africa’s often unpredictable networking environments, understanding and planning your PoE budget is essential for system reliability, customer satisfaction, and long-term scalability.

Read more...
Five-minute EV charging a reality
Power Electronics / Power Management
Successfully demonstrated in Beijing recently at the Shanghai auto show, BYD claimed to add 400 km of range in just five minutes of charging.

Read more...
The evolution of power management in electronics
TRX Electronics Power Electronics / Power Management
The Mibbo MPS Series metal-encased power supplies deliver solid, efficient power in a durable package that’s built to last.

Read more...
Power and precision in a compact package
Conical Technologies Power Electronics / Power Management
The Mibbo MPS Series metal-encased power supplies deliver solid, efficient power in a durable package that’s built to last.

Read more...
Robust PoE module
CST Electronics Power Electronics / Power Management
The Ag59800-LPB high power, IEEE 802.3bt compliant, PD module from Silvertel offers typical efficiency of 95% making it an ideal choice for higher power, space-constrained applications.

Read more...
Cutting-edge solutions for Africa’s clean energy future
Power Electronics / Power Management
As Africa pushes towards reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy, Sungrow is driving transformation with cutting-edge innovations that enhance grid stability, reduce energy costs, and expand access to clean power.

Read more...
Transformer protection is a critical safeguard for municipal power stability
Power Electronics / Power Management
Transformer protection is not just a technical requirement; it is a vital component in ensuring the resilience and operational integrity of South Africa’s municipal power infrastructure.

Read more...
Reliable power solution
Conical Technologies Power Electronics / Power Management
The Mibbo MLD-120W-xxVx is a robust DIN-rail mounted DC-DC converter with a 120 W output capacity specifically designed for industrial and automation applications.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved