Valve-regulated lead-acid batteries (VRLABs) are widely used in communication systems due to their numerous advantages. These batteries can be placed horizontally or stacked, allowing for efficient space utilization when installed alongside communication equipment. Their sealed design eliminates the need for regular specific gravity measurements during maintenance, making them ideal for high-current discharge applications. Additionally, they have a good recombination efficiency of hydrogen and oxygen, which minimizes the release of harmful gases, contributing to a cleaner and safer environment.
In the early 1990s, VRLABs were marketed as "maintenance-free," but this was somewhat misleading. Early products often suffered from quality issues, leading to various operational problems. However, with advancements in computer technology, integrated circuits, switching power supplies, and UPS systems, power system equipment has significantly improved in terms of safety, reliability, and maintenance workload reduction. Despite these improvements, VRLABs still require careful maintenance to ensure optimal performance in both DC power supply and AC/DC uninterruptible power supply systems.
So, how should we maintain VRLABs under current conditions? As an experienced technician, I believe that maintaining these batteries requires attention to three key areas: product quality, installation quality, and operation and maintenance quality.
Product quality is fundamental. Every stage of production—from lead powder manufacturing to packaging and storage—must be strictly controlled. Factors such as grid thickness, paste formulation, separator permeability, safety valve design, electrolyte filling method, and shell sealing all play a critical role in ensuring long-term performance.
Installation quality is equally important. Proper handling, storage, and installation procedures must be followed. For example, during installation, it's crucial to ensure that splicing strips match the battery terminals, and that pole piles are evenly aligned. The tightening force should be carefully controlled to avoid over-tightening, which could damage the copper sleeve, or under-tightening, which may result in poor contact between the busbar and terminal.
After installation, it's essential to perform a recharge to ensure the battery is fully charged and ready for use. Also, connections between battery groups and the DC screen should be balanced to maintain uniformity during high-current discharges.
Regarding maintenance quality, it’s vital to understand the battery’s specifications and follow proper procedures. Key considerations include:
1. **Temperature and Capacity Relationship**
Battery capacity is affected by temperature. At 25°C, the battery operates at 100% capacity. For every 10°C drop below 25°C, capacity decreases by about 10%. Maintenance personnel should adjust discharge currents accordingly and keep the battery temperature within the 22–25°C range.
2. **Charging, Discharging, Life, and Capacity Relationship**
- **Charging and Life**: The charging method directly impacts battery life. Studies show that improper charging can shorten the battery’s lifespan. Some experiments have demonstrated that a constant current charging method with pulse techniques can improve cycle life compared to traditional constant voltage charging.
- **Discharging and Capacity**: Different discharge currents affect battery capacity. Low current discharges can lead to larger lead sulfate crystals, which are harder to reduce, potentially degrading battery performance over time.
In conclusion, while VRLABs offer many benefits, their performance depends heavily on proper selection, installation, and maintenance. Technicians must stay informed about best practices and continuously improve their understanding of battery behavior under varying conditions. With the right approach, VRLABs can deliver reliable and long-lasting power support in critical systems.
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