Battery Applications

On-line station batteries automatically cover prime power outages.

Most station batteries are either lead acid or nickel cadmium batteries and are either of the flooded (liquid electrolyte) or valve regulated (gelled or immobilized electrolyte) technology. Station batteries are best maintained by constant voltage charging.

Charged batteries are continuously float-charged to maintain their charge. Discharged batteries are charged either by continuous float-charging or by a higher, temporary boost-charge (equalize) voltage.

Batteries automatically adapt their charge rates to the current limits of constant-voltage rectifiers. charged batteries may be periodically equalized at the higher charge voltage to correct cell non-uniformities in voltage and electrolyte specific gravity. Battery float and charge voltages are set according to battery type, electrolyte specific gravity and ambient temperature.

Staticon rectifier float-charge functions accommodate any flooded or valve-regulated battery technology.

Battery life is limited by the number of charge-discharge cycles.

Well regulated float-charge rectifiers with minimal transient behavior will prevent partial battery cycling during step-load changes.

Ambient temperature, float-charge voltage compensation is particularly important for the optimum performance and health of valve regulated batteries.

Staticon rectifiers feature tight regulation, voltage sensing at battery terminals and a battery-specific, charge voltage temperature compensation option.

The battery discharge (end) voltage is the minimum DC system voltage seen by the loads. An automatic load disconnect feature would protect batteries from excessive discharging. Battery charge voltage is the maximum DC system voltage seen by the loads.

Some sensitive DC loads cannot tolerate this maximum voltage. Solutions to this are the use of fewer battery cells, charge rectifier switching arrangements or the use of solid-state CEMF (counter-EMF) cells.