The use and operation of sealed batteries. Battery Maintenance - Batteries Acid Battery Maintenance and Repair

Timely diagnostics and maintenance of parts ensures the perfect operation of the car and prevents serious malfunctions. Careful attention to will reduce the risk of breakage and prevent changes to its main specifications for a long time.

Gel battery - charging and maintenance

Due to the design features maintenance of the gel-type battery is limited to one charge only. You can make it with the help of a special one created for various types helium batteries.

The main rule for charging a gel battery should be remembered: the supplied voltage must not be allowed to exceed the threshold value. The result of non-compliance with this rule will be the failure of the battery without the possibility of recovery.

Find the exact threshold voltage value for each battery model can be found in the instructions that came with the device or on the side of the device. Most often, its range is 14.3 to 14.5 volts.

Before charging the gel battery, it is not superfluous to inspect the part. High voltage when charging, it is especially dangerous if there are mechanical defects that can be seen with the naked eye.

Alkaline Battery Maintenance

Key feature alkaline batteries is the possibility of increasing the service life through regular preventive measures to prevent aging. To improve the performance of the battery will allow charge-discharge cycles, which can be carried out using automatic chargers.

During the cycle, the current should not be weak. This will adversely affect battery performance. You should avoid charging the battery at temperatures below -10 degrees Celsius, and even more so at -30.

In parallel with preventive charge-discharge cycles, it is worth inspecting the battery for damage to the case, the appearance of traces of electrolyte or other anomalies. After every 10th charge, the electrolyte level should be checked. and replenish it if it deviates from the normal value.

For this, you will need a special device - a densimeter. By immersing it in the filling hole, you can measure the exact value and compare it with an acceptable threshold (specified in the instructions). As an analogue for measurement, you can use a hydrometer. To check with this device, you will need a glass beaker and a rubber bulb. Having taken 100 mg of electrolyte, you can put a hydrometer in it and check the density value.

This can be done using a glass tube with marks. The optimal level is from 5 to 12 mm above the edge of the plates. If it is not observed, then you can increase the amount of electrolyte by adding distilled water. At low density values, electrolyte should be added instead of water.

Acid batteries - maintenance

On this moment There are two types of lead acid batteries: traditional and sealed (maintenance free).

The following actions are typical for servicing the classic type of battery:

• Inspection of electrical connections.
• Checking the electrolyte level and its density.
• Capacity Diagnostics lead acid battery(check discharge method).
• Search for traces of electrolyte on the battery cover.

Having noticed a problem, it should be stopped as soon as possible, before the battery becomes unusable or causes a number of other undesirable problems.

Acid battery maintenance rules

Do-it-yourself battery maintenance and care

Sealed lead acid batteries are virtually maintenance free. Modern technologies avoided problems that could lead to rapid wear. However, a preventive check of the electrical connections will not be superfluous. During it, both the terminals and the very surface of the battery should be examined. Undesirable signs will be:

• Traces of oxides and white plaque.
• Loose connections (bolted or screwed).
• Not reinforced terminals.
• Visible mechanical damage.

If you find these problems, you should get rid of them yourself or with the help of specialists.

After an external check, it is worth resorting to using a battery tester. A special device will allow you to accurately determine the capacity without the traditional test discharge.

In order for starter batteries to serve for a long time, it is necessary to constantly carry out their preventive maintenance and charging. For starter batteries, this isit is advisable to do every 12000 km of run or once every 6 months.

Because the hydrogen released by the electrolyte is an explosive gas, it is necessary to observe battery precautions.

Do not approach the battery with an open flame or a lit cigarette.

The electrolyte is dilute sulfuric acid, which can cause severe burns if it comes into contact with the eyes or exposed parts of the body. If acid comes into contact with skin or eyes, rinse immediately with water.

Therefore, for safety reasons, acid-resistant protective clothing, goggles and gloves must be worn during any work on batteries..

Do not put metal or other foreign objects on top of the battery to avoid short circuit.

When servicing batteries, clean contaminated surfaces, connections and special means or a solution of baking soda, water, and a rag. In this case, all plugs in the battery must be tightly closed. Do not allow these solutions to enter the battery.

Next, you need to check the level and density of the electrolyte (for batteries with liquid electrolyte) in each battery bank. The density of a fully charged, serviceable battery should be 1.28+-0.01g/cm3. If the density of the electrolyte is below this value, then the battery must be charged.

Also in the battery you need to check the voltage without load and under load.

Before connecting the batteries, check the cables and . Damaged cables must be replaced. Bolts and nuts must be tightened. Check the condition of the battery tray, its support and clamping plate fasteners.

In batteries with liquid electrolyte - bulk batteries, you need to check the level of electrolytes and add water as necessary.

It is necessary to add only distilled or. In this case, the level should be 1.5-2 cm above the plates or at the level of the mark.

IN lead acid battery DO NOT ADD ACID. It is advisable to add water after. If the battery is completely dry, then you need to add water to it 1 cm above the plates, and after charging, add it to normal. Then leave it to cool for a few hours, check the level and if it is low, add more water and put it on a charge for 30 minutes to mix the electrolyte.

After adding water, you need to close the caps of the necks.

How often you need to add water depends on the nature of the use of the battery and the health of the generator. As batteries age, you need to add water more frequently.

It is advisable to charge the starter battery with a stationary charger at least once every 6 months. For cars used for short trips and major cities, where there are permanent plugs, and also in winter period the battery needs to be charged more often. If the battery is discharged so that it does not start the engine, then the battery must be put on a long charge with a very small current.

Gel or AGM batteries must not be opened and filled with water.

When, if the density of the electrolyte is unknown, battery discharge is determined load fork LE-2, checking each battery individually for 5 s. The plug has a voltmeter, contact legs, two load resistances made of nichrome wire. Depending on the nominal charge ("capacity") of the battery, with the help of resistances, they create three battery loading options:

• at nominal battery charge 40-65 Ah turn on more resistance (0.018-0.2) by screwing the left and unscrewing the right terminals;
• when charging 70-100 Ah turn on a lower resistance (0.01-0.012) by screwing the left and unscrewing the right terminals;
• when charging 100-135 Ah connect both resistances in parallel by screwing both terminals.

The voltmeter readings are compared with the data in Table 2. The voltage of a fully charged battery should not fall below 1.7 V. The voltage difference between the individual batteries of the battery should not exceed 0.1 V. If the difference is greater than this value or the battery is discharged by more than 50% in summer or more than 25% in winter, it is recharged.

Dry-charged batteries arrive dry, and to put them into operation prepare electrolyte. To do this, use battery sulfuric acid (GOST 667-73), distilled water (GOST 6709-72) and clean glass, porcelain, ebonite or lead utensils.

The density of the electrolyte being poured should be 20–30 kg/m3 less than the density required under the given operating conditions (see Table 1), since the active mass of the plates of a dry-charged battery contains up to 20% or more of lead sulfate, which, when charged, converted to spongy lead, lead dioxide and sulfuric acid. The amount of distilled water and sulfuric acid required to prepare 1 liter of electrolyte depends on its density (Table 3).

To prepare the required volume of electrolyte, for example, for a 6ST-75 battery, into which 5 liters of electrolyte with a density of 1270 kg / m3 are poured, the values ​​\u200b\u200bof Table 3 at a density equal to 1270 kg / m3 are multiplied by five, poured into pure porcelain, ebonite or glass tank 0.778-5 = = 3.89 liters of distilled water and, while stirring, pour into it in small portions 0.269-5 = 1.345 liters of sulfuric acid. It is strictly forbidden to pour water into acid, as this will cause the water jet to boil and emit vapors and droplets of sulfuric acid. The resulting electrolyte is thoroughly mixed, cooled to a temperature of 15-20 ° C and its density is checked with a densimeter. In case of contact with the skin, the electrolyte is washed off with a 10% solution of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda).

The electrolyte is poured into the batteries in rubber gloves using a porcelain mug and a glass funnel to a level of 10-15 mm above the grate. 3 hours after filling, the density of the electrolyte in all batteries is measured to control the degree of charge of the negative plates. Then several control cycles are carried out. At the last cycle, at the end of charging, the density of the electrolyte is brought to exactly the same value in all batteries by adding distilled water or electrolyte with a density of 1400 kg/m3.

Commissioning without exercise cycles generally accelerates self-discharge and shortens battery life.

The current value of the first and subsequent (training) battery charges is indicated in Table 27 and is usually maintained by adjusting the charger. The duration of the first charge depends on the duration and storage conditions of the battery before filling the electrolyte and can reach 25-50 hours. Charging is continued until abundant gas evolution occurs in all batteries, and the electrolyte density and voltage become constant for 3 hours, which and serves as a sign of the end of charging. To reduce corrosion of positive plates charging current at the end of the charge can be halved.

The battery is discharged by connecting a wire or lamp rheostat to the battery terminals through an ammeter, maintaining the value of the discharge current equal to 0.05 of the nominal battery charge in Ah by adjusting it. Charging is completed when the voltage of the worst (lagging) battery of the battery is 1.75 V. After discharging, the battery is immediately charged with the current of subsequent (training) charges. If the battery charge determined during the first discharge turned out to be insufficient (less than 75%), the control-training cycle is repeated.

Store dry-charged, not put into operation batteries in dry rooms with air temperature above 0°C. Batteries are guaranteed to be dry-charged for one year, with a total shelf life of three years from date of manufacture.

Battery Maintenance

Sealed lead batteries are usually produced using two technologies - gel and AGM. The article discusses in more detail the differences and features of these two technologies. Are given general recommendations for the use of such batteries.

The main types of batteries recommended for use in autonomous solar power systems: An integral component of autonomous solar power systems are maintenance-free rechargeable batteries large capacity. Such batteries guarantee the same quality and functionality throughout the entire declared life cycle.

Technology AGM - (Absorbent Glass Mat) This can be translated into Russian as “absorbent glass fiber”. Liquid acid is also used as an electrolyte. But the space between the electrodes is filled with a microporous fiberglass-based separator material. This substance acts like a sponge, it completely absorbs all the acid and holds it, preventing it from spreading.

When a chemical reaction takes place inside such a battery, gases are also formed (mainly hydrogen and oxygen, their molecules are constituents of water and acid). Their bubbles fill some of the pores, while the gas does not escape. He is directly involved in chemical reactions when recharging the battery, returning back to the liquid electrolyte. This process is called gas recombination. From school course Chemistry knows that a circular process cannot be 100% efficient. But in modern AGM batteries, the recombination efficiency reaches 95-99%. Those. inside the case of such a battery, a negligible amount of free unnecessary gas is formed and the electrolyte does not change its chemical properties for many years. However, after a very long time, the free gas creates an excess pressure inside the battery, when it reaches a certain level, a special release valve is activated. This valve also protects the battery from rupture in the event of an accident. emergency situations: work in extreme conditions, sharp rise room temperature due to external factors etc.

The main advantage of AGM batteries over GEL technology is the lower internal resistance of the battery. First of all, this affects the battery charge time, which in autonomous systems very limited, especially in winter time. Thus, the AGM battery charges faster, which means it gets out of the deep discharge mode faster, which is the killer for both types of batteries. If the system is autonomous, then when using an AGM battery, its efficiency will be higher than that of the same system with a GEL battery, because. charging the GEL battery requires more time and power, which may not be enough on cloudy winter days. At negative temperatures, the gel battery retains more capacity and is considered more stable, but as practice shows, in cloudy weather with low charge currents and negative temperatures, the gel battery will not be charged due to high internal resistance and "hardened" gel electrolyte, while the AGM battery will be charged at low currents charging.

AGM batteries do not require special maintenance. Batteries manufactured using AGM technology do not require maintenance and additional ventilation of the room. Inexpensive AGM batteries work perfectly in buffer mode with a depth of discharge of no more than 20%. In this mode, they serve up to 10-15 years.

If they are used in a cyclic mode and discharged at least up to 30-40%, then their service life is significantly reduced. AGM batteries are often used in low-cost uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) and small off-grid solar power systems. However, AGM batteries have recently appeared, which are designed for deeper discharges and cyclical modes of operation. Of course, in terms of their characteristics, they are inferior to GEL batteries, but they work perfectly in autonomous solar power supply systems.

But the main technical feature AGM batteries, unlike standard lead-acid batteries, have the ability to work in deep discharge mode. Those. they can give off electrical energy for a long time (hours and even days) until the state when the energy supply drops to 20-30% of the original value. After charging such a battery, it almost completely restores its working capacity. Of course, such situations cannot pass completely without a trace. But modern AGM batteries can withstand 600 or more deep discharge cycles.

In addition, at AGM batteries very low self-discharge current. A charged battery can be stored unconnected for a long time. For example, after 12 months of inactivity, the battery charge will drop to only 80% of the original. AGM batteries usually have a maximum allowed charge current of 0.3C, and a final charge voltage of 15-16V. Such characteristics are achieved not only due to constructive AGM features technologies. In the manufacture of batteries, more expensive materials with special properties are used: the electrodes are made of highly pure lead, the electrodes themselves are made thicker, the electrolyte contains highly purified sulfuric acid.

Technology GEL - (Gel Electrolite) A substance based on silicon dioxide (SiO2) is added to the liquid electrolyte, resulting in a thick mass resembling jelly in consistency. This mass fills the space between the electrodes inside the battery. In the course of chemical reactions, numerous gas bubbles appear in the thickness of the electrolyte. In these pores and shells, hydrogen and oxygen molecules meet, i.e. gas recombination.

Unlike AGM technology, gel batteries recover even better from a deep discharge state, even if the charging process is not started immediately after the batteries are charged. They are able to withstand more than 1000 deep discharge cycles without a fundamental loss of their capacity. Since the electrolyte is in a thick state, it is less prone to stratification into its constituent parts water and acid, so gel batteries better tolerate poor charging current parameters.

Perhaps the only disadvantage of gel technology is the price, which is higher than that of AGM batteries of the same capacity. Therefore, it is recommended to use gel batteries as part of complex and expensive systems autonomous and backup power supply. And also in cases when outages of the external electrical network occur constantly, with an enviable cyclicity. GEL batteries are better able to withstand cyclic charge-discharge modes. Also, they tolerate severe frosts better. The decrease in capacity with decreasing battery temperature is also less than with other types of batteries. Their use is more desirable in autonomous power supply systems, when batteries operate in cyclic modes (charge and discharge every day) and there is no way to maintain the battery temperature within optimal limits.

Almost all sealed batteries can be mounted on their side.
Gel batteries also differ in purpose - there are both general purpose and deep discharge. Gel batteries better withstand cyclic charge-discharge modes. Their use is more desirable in autonomous power supply systems. However, they are more expensive than AGM batteries, and even more so starter ones.

Gel batteries have about 10-30% longer term service than AGM batteries. Also, they tolerate deep discharge less painfully. One of the main advantages gel batteries ahead of AGM is a significantly lower capacity loss as the battery temperature drops. The disadvantages include the need for strict adherence to charge modes.

AGM batteries are ideal for buffer operation, as a backup for rare power outages. In case of too frequent connection to work, their life cycle simply decreases. In such cases, the use of gel batteries is more economically justified.

Systems based on AGM and GEL technologies have special properties that are simply necessary for solving problems in the field of autonomous power supply.

Batteries manufactured using AGM and GEL technologies are lead-acid batteries. They consist of a similar set constituent parts. Plate-electrodes made of lead or its special alloys with other metals are placed in a reliable plastic case that provides the necessary degree of sealing. The plates are immersed in an acidic environment - an electrolyte that may look like a liquid, or be in a different, thicker and less fluid state. As a result of the ongoing chemical reactions between the electrodes and the electrolyte, an electric current is generated. When submitting an external electrical voltage set value to terminals lead plates, reverse chemical processes occur, as a result of which the battery restores its original properties and is charged.

There are also special batteries using OPzS technology, which are specially designed for "heavy" cyclic modes.
This type of battery was created specifically for use in autonomous power supply systems. They have low gas emission, allow many charge / discharge cycles up to 70% of nominal capacity without damage and a significant reduction in service life. But given type The battery is not in high demand in Russia due to the rather high cost of the battery compared to AGM technologies and G.E.L.

Basic rules for the operation of batteries

1. Do not store the battery in a discharged state. In this case, sulfation of the electrodes occurs. In this case, the battery loses its capacity and the battery life is significantly reduced.

2. Do not short circuit the battery terminals. This can happen when the battery is installed by unqualified personnel. A high short-circuit current of a charged battery can melt the terminal contacts and cause a thermal burn. A short circuit also causes serious damage to the battery.

3. Do not try to open the case maintenance-free battery. The electrolyte contained inside can cause chemical burns.

4. Connect the battery to the device only in the correct polarity. A fully charged battery has a significant energy reserve and is capable of damaging the device (inverter, controller, etc.) if connected incorrectly.

5. Be sure to dispose of the used battery in accordance with the disposal regulations for products containing heavy metals and acids.

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9.5 Battery maintenance

9.5.1 Types of maintenance

During operation, at certain intervals, to maintain the batteries in good condition, it is necessary to carry out the following types of maintenance:

1. battery inspections;
2. preventive control;
3. preventive restoration (repair).

Batteries should be serviced and overhauled as needed.

9.5. 2. Battery Inspections

Current inspections of batteries are carried out by personnel servicing the battery. In installations with permanent duty personnel, such an inspection must be done once a day, and in installations without permanent duty personnel, the current inspection of the battery must be carried out during the inspection of other equipment of the installation according to a special schedule (but at least once and 10 days).
During the current inspection it is necessary to check:

1. voltage, density and temperature of electrolyte in control batteries (electrolyte voltage and density in all and temperature in control batteries - at least once a month);
2. voltage and current of recharging the main and additional batteries;
3. electrolyte level in tanks;
4. correct position of coverslips or filter plugs;
5. integrity of tanks, cleanliness of tanks, racks and floors;
6. ventilation and heating (in winter);
7. the presence of a small release of gas bubbles from the batteries;
8. level and color of sludge in transparent tanks.

If during the inspection, defects are revealed that can be eliminated by the sole examiner, he must obtain permission by telephone from the head of the electrical department to carry out this work. If the defect cannot be eliminated by oneself, the method and term for eliminating the defect is determined by the foreman.
Inspection inspections are carried out by two employees: the person serving the battery and the responsible person of the engineering and technical staff. Inspection inspections are carried out within the time limits determined by local regulations (but at least once a month), as well as after installation, replacement of electrodes or electrolyte.
During the inspection, it is necessary to repeat the scope of the current inspection and additionally check:

1. voltage and electrolyte density in all batteries of the battery, electrolyte temperature in control batteries;
2. absence of defects leading to short circuits;
3. the condition of the electrodes (warping, excessive growth of positive electrodes, growths on negative electrodes, sulfation);
4. insulation resistance;
5. the content of the entries in the journal, the correctness of its maintenance.

If defects are found during the inspection, it is necessary to outline the terms and procedure for their elimination.
The results of inspections and the timing of the elimination of defects are recorded in the battery log.

9.5. .3 Preventive control

Preventive control is carried out in order to check the condition and performance of the battery.
Checking the performance of the battery on the PS is provided instead of checking the capacity. It is allowed to make it when the switch closest to the AB with the most powerful closing electromagnet is turned on.
During the control discharge, electrolyte samples must be taken at the end of the discharge, since during the discharge a number of harmful impurities pass into the electrolyte.
An unscheduled analysis of the electrolyte from control batteries should be carried out if massive defects in battery operation are detected:

1. warping and excessive growth of positive "electrodes, if no violations of the battery operation are detected;
2. precipitation of light gray sludge;
3. reduced capacity for no apparent reason.

In an unscheduled analysis, in addition to iron and chlorine, the following impurities are determined if there are appropriate indications:

1. manganese (electrolyte acquires a crimson hue);
2. copper (increased self-discharge, in the absence of high iron content);
3. nitrogen oxides (destruction of positive electrodes in the absence of chlorine in the electrolyte).

The sample must be taken with a rubber bulb with a glass tube reaching the lower third of the battery tank. The sample is poured into a jar with a ground stopper. The jar should be pre-washed hot water and rinse with distilled water. Stick a label on the jar with the name of the battery, the battery number and the date of sampling.
The maximum content of impurities in the electrolyte of working batteries can approximately be taken twice as high as in a freshly prepared electrolyte from battery acid of the 1st grade.
The resistance of a charged battery is measured using an insulation monitoring device on the busbars of the shield direct current or a voltmeter with an internal resistance of at least 50 kΩ.
Calculation of insulation resistance ( Riz) in kiloohms when measured with a voltmeter is produced by the formula:
,
Where R and h - resistance of the voltmeter, kOhm;
U- battery voltage, V;
U+,U_ - voltage of plus and minus relative to the "ground", V.
Based on the results of the same measurements, the insulation resistance of the poles can be determined ( R and s+i R and h-) in kiloohms.

9.5. 4 Maintenance of SK batteries

Current repairs include work to eliminate various faults batteries, performed, as a rule, by the operating personnel.
It is often difficult to determine the presence of sulfation by external signs due to the impossibility or insufficiency of viewing the electrodes, and also because more definite signs appear with significant and deep sulfation.
a clear sign sulfation is a specific nature of dependence charging voltage compared to a good battery. When charging a sulfated battery, the voltage immediately and quickly, depending on the degree of sulfation, reaches its maximum value and only as the sulfate dissolves does it begin to decrease. At good battery voltage increases as it charges
Systematic undercharges are possible due to insufficient voltage and recharge current. Timely carrying out equalizing charges ensures the prevention of sulfation and allows you to eliminate minor sulfation.
The elimination of sulfation requires a significant investment of time and is not always successful, so it is better to prevent its occurrence.
Unstarted and shallow sulfation is recommended to be eliminated by the following regimen.
After normal charge the battery is discharged with a ten-hour mode current to a voltage of 1.8 V per battery and left alone for 10 - 12 hours. Then the battery is charged with a current of 0.1 C10 until gas formation and turned off for 15 minutes, after which it is charged with a current of 0.1 Izar.max before the onset of intense gas formation on the electrodes of both polarities and the achievement of a normal density of the electrolyte.
With advanced sulfation phenomena, it is recommended to carry out the specified charge mode in a diluted electrolyte. To do this, the electrolyte after the discharge is diluted with distilled water to a density of 1.03-1.05 g/cm 3 , charged and recharged.
The efficiency of the regime is determined by the systematic increase in the density of the electrolyte.
The charge is carried out until a constant density of the electrolyte is obtained (usually less than 1.21 g/cm 3 ) and a strong uniform outgassing. After that, bring the density of the electrolyte to 1.21 g/cm 3 .
If the sulfation turned out to be so significant that the indicated modes may be ineffective, then replacement of the electrodes is necessary in order to restore the battery's performance.
If there are signs of a short circuit, the batteries in glass tanks should be carefully examined with a translucent portable lamp. Accumulators in ebonite and wooden tanks are inspected from above.
Batteries operated at constant float charge with increased voltage can form spongy lead tree-like growths on the negative electrodes, which can cause a short circuit. If growths are found on the upper edges of the electrodes, they must be scraped off with a strip of glass or other acid-resistant material. Prevention and removal of growths in other places of the electrodes is recommended to be carried out by small movements of the separators up and down.
A short circuit through the sludge in a battery in a wooden tank with a lead lining can be determined by measuring the voltage between the electrodes and the lining. In the presence of a short circuit, the voltage will be zero.
In a healthy battery at rest, the plus-plate voltage is close to 1.3 V, and the minus-plate voltage is close to 0.7 V.
If a short circuit is detected through the sludge, the sludge must be pumped out. If it is impossible to immediately pump out, it is necessary to try to level the sludge with a square, and eliminate contact with the electrodes.
To determine the short circuit, you can use a compass in a plastic case. The compass moves along the connecting strips above the ears of the electrodes, first of one polarity of the battery, then the other.
A sharp change in the deviation of the compass needle on both sides of the electrode indicates a short circuit of this electrode with an electrode of a different polarity, which is determined in a similar way on the other side of the battery (Fig. 9.2).
If there are still short-circuited electrodes in the battery, the arrow will deviate near each of them.

Rice. 9.2. Finding the location of a short circuit with a compass
1 - negative plate; 2 - positive plate; 3 - vessel; 4 - compass
Warping of the electrodes occurs mainly when the current is unevenly distributed between the electrodes.
Uneven distribution of current along the height of the electrodes, for example, during electrolyte stratification, at excessively large and prolonged charging and discharging currents, leads to an uneven course of reactions in different parts of the electrodes, and, as a result, the appearance of mechanical stresses, as well as the possibility of warping. The presence in the electrolyte of impurities of nitrogen and acetic acid enhances the oxidation deep layers positive electrodes. Since lead dioxide occupies a larger volume than the lead from which it was formed, growth and curvature of the electrodes take place.
Deep discharges below the allowable voltage also lead to curvature and growth of the positive electrodes.
Positive electrodes are subject to warping and growth. The curvature of the negative electrodes takes place mainly as a result of pressure on them from the neighboring warped positive ones.
It is possible to straighten the warped electrodes only after removing them from the battery. Correction is subject to electrodes that are not sulfated and fully charged, since in this state they are softer and easier to edit.
The cut warped electrodes are washed with water and placed between smooth boards of hard rock (beech, oak, birch). It is necessary to install a load on the top board, which increases as the electrodes are straightened. It is forbidden to edit the electrodes with mallet or hammer blows, directly or through the board in order to avoid destruction of the active layer.
If the warped electrodes are not dangerous for the adjacent negative electrodes, it is allowed to restrict measures to prevent the occurrence of a short circuit; for this, an additional separator must be laid on the convex side of the warped electrode. These electrodes should be replaced at the next battery repair.
With significant and progressive warping, it is necessary to replace all positive electrodes in the battery with new ones. Replacing only warped electrodes with new ones is not allowed.
Among the visible signs of the unsatisfactory quality of the electrolyte is its color, namely:

1. color from light to dark brown indicates the presence of organic substances, which during operation quickly (at least partially) turn into acetic acid compounds;
2. the purple color of the electrolyte indicates the presence of manganese compounds; when the battery is discharged, this purple color disappears.

The main source of harmful impurities in the electrolyte during operation is top-up water. Therefore, to prevent harmful impurities from entering the electrolyte, it is necessary to use distilled or equivalent water for topping up.
The use of an electrolyte with a higher impurity content allowable norms entails:

1. significant self-discharge in the presence of copper, iron, arsenic, antimony, bismuth;
2. an increase in internal resistance in the presence of manganese;
3. destruction of positive electrodes due to the presence of acetic and nitric acids or their derivatives;
4. destruction of positive and negative electrodes under the action of hydrochloric acid or compounds containing chlorine.

If chlorides enter the electrolyte (there may be external signs- the smell of chlorine and deposits of light gray sludge) or nitrogen oxides (no external signs) the batteries are subjected to 3-4 discharge-charge cycles, during which these impurities are usually removed by electrolysis.
To remove iron, the batteries are discharged, the contaminated electrolyte is removed along with the sludge and washed with distilled water. After washing, the batteries are filled with electrolyte with a density of 1.04-1.06 g/cm 3 and charged until a constant value of the voltage and density of the electrolyte is obtained. Then the solution from the battery must be removed, replaced with fresh electrolyte with a density of 1.20 g / cm 3 and the batteries discharged to 1.8 V. At the end of the discharge, the electrolyte is checked for iron content. With a favorable analysis, the batteries charge normally. In the event of an unfavorable analysis, the run must be repeated.
Batteries are discharged to remove manganese contamination. The electrolyte is replaced with fresh and the batteries are charged normally. If the contamination is fresh, one electrolyte change is sufficient.
Copper from batteries with electrolyte is not removed. To remove it, the batteries are charged. When charging, copper is transferred to the negative electrodes, which are replaced after charging. Installing new negative electrodes to the old positive leads to an accelerated failure of the latter. Therefore, such a replacement is advisable if there are old serviceable negative electrodes in stock.
Poi detection a large number For copper-contaminated batteries, it is more profitable to replace all electrodes and separation.
If the deposits of sludge in batteries have reached a level at which the distance to the lower edge of the electrodes in glass tanks has decreased to 10 mm, and in opaque tanks to 20 mm, the sludge must be pumped out.
In batteries with opaque tanks, you can check the level of sludge using an acid-resistant square. It is necessary to remove the separator from the middle of the battery, and also lift several separators nearby and lower the square into the gap between the electrodes until it comes into contact with the sludge. Then turn the square by 90° and lift it up until it touches the lower edge of the electrodes. The distance from the surface of the slag to the lower edge of the electrodes will be equal to the difference in measurements along upper end square plus 10 mm. If the square does not turn or turns with difficulty, then the sludge is either already in contact with the electrodes or close to it.
When pumping out the sludge, the electrolyte is simultaneously removed. To prevent the charged negative electrodes from heating up in air and losing their capacitance during evacuation, it is necessary to pre-prepare required amount electrolyte and pour it into the battery immediately after pumping.
Pumping is carried out using a vacuum pump or blower. As a vessel into which the sludge is pumped out, a bottle is taken, through the cork into which two glass tubes with a diameter of 12-15 mm are passed. The short tube can be brass with a diameter of 8–10 mm. To pass the sludge from the battery, sometimes you have to remove the springs and even cut one ground electrode at a time. The sludge must be carefully stirred with a square made of textolite or vinyl plastic.
Excessive self-discharge is a consequence low resistance battery insulation, high electrolyte density, unacceptable high temperature battery room.
The consequences of self-discharge from the first three causes usually do not require special measures to correct batteries. It is enough to find and eliminate the cause of the decrease in the insulation resistance of the battery, bring the density of the electrolyte and the temperature of the room back to normal.
Excessive self-discharge due to short circuits or contamination of the electrolyte with harmful impurities, if allowed for a long time, leads to sulfation of the electrodes and loss of capacity. The electrolyte must be replaced, and defective batteries desulfated and subjected to a control discharge.
Battery polarity reversal is possible with deep discharges batteries, when individual batteries with sawn capacity are completely discharged, and then charged in the opposite direction by the load current from healthy batteries.
A reversed battery has a reversed voltage of 2 V. Such a battery reduces the discharge voltage of the battery by 4 V.
To correct a reversed battery, the battery is discharged and then charged with a small current in right direction until the density of the electrolyte is constant. Then they are discharged with a current of a ten-hour mode and re-charged, and so it is repeated until the voltage reaches a value of 2.5-2.7 V unchanged for two hours, and the density of the electrolyte is 1.20-1.21 g/cm 3 .
Damage to glass tanks usually starts with cracks. Therefore, with regular inspections of the battery, a defect can be detected at an early stage. The greatest number of cracks appear in the first years of operation of the battery due to improper installation of insulators under the tanks (different thickness or lack of gaskets between the bottom of the tank and the insulators), as well as due to the deformation of racks made of raw wood. Cracks can also appear due to local heating of the tank wall caused by a short circuit.
Damage to lead-lined wooden tanks is most often caused by damage to the lead lining. The reasons are: poor soldering of the seams, lead defects, installation of retaining glasses without grooves, when the positive electrodes are closed with the lining directly or through the sludge.
When the positive electrodes are shorted to the plate, lead dioxide is formed on it. As a result, the lining loses its strength, and through holes may appear in it.
If it is necessary to cut a defective battery from a working battery, it is first shunted with a jumper with a resistance of 0.25-1.0 Ohm, designed for the passage of a normal load current. Cut along the connecting strip on one side of the battery. A strip of insulating material is inserted into the incision.
If troubleshooting requires a long time (for example, removing a reversed battery), the shunt resistance is replaced with a copper jumper designed for emergency discharge current.
Since the use of shunt resistances has not proven itself well enough in operation, it is preferable to use a battery connected in parallel with a defective one to bring the latter into repair.
The replacement of a damaged tank on a working battery is performed by shunting the battery with resistance with cutting out only the electrodes.
Charged negative electrodes, as a result of the interaction of the electrolyte remaining in the pores and air oxygen, are oxidized with the release of a large amount of heat, becoming very hot. Therefore, if the tank is damaged with electrolyte leakage, it is first necessary to cut out the negative electrodes and place them in a tank with distilled water, and after replacing the tank, install after the positive electrodes.
Cutting from the battery of one positive electrode for straightening on a working battery is allowed in multi-electrode batteries. With a small number of electrodes, in order to avoid battery polarity reversal when the battery switches to the discharge mode, it is necessary to shunt it with a jumper with a diode designed for the discharge current.
If a battery with a reduced capacity is found in the battery in the absence of a short circuit and sulfation, then using a cadmium electrode, the electrodes of which polarity have insufficient capacity should be determined.
Checking the capacity of the electrodes should be done on a battery discharged to 1.8 V at the end of the control discharge. In such a battery, the potential of the positive electrodes with respect to the cadmium electrode should be approximately equal to 1.96 V, and the negative ones should be 0.16 V. A sign of insufficient capacity of the positive electrodes is a decrease in their potential below 1.96 V, and an increase in their potential for negative electrodes more than 0.2 V.
Measurements are made on a battery connected to a load with a voltmeter with a large internal resistance (more than 1000 ohms).
A cadmium electrode (coins to be a rod with a diameter of 5-5 mm and a length of 8-10 cm) must be immersed in an electrolyte with a density of 1.18 g/cm 3 0.5 hours before the start of the measurement. During breaks in measurements, the cadmium electrode should not be allowed to dry out. A new cadmium electrode must be kept in the electrolyte for two to three days. After measurements, the electrode must be thoroughly rinsed with water. a perforated tube of insulating material should be put on the cadmium electrode.

9.5. 5 Maintenance of CH batteries

When changing the electrolyte, the battery is discharged in a 10-hour mode to a voltage of 1.8 V and the electrolyte is poured out, then it is filled with distilled water to the upper mark and left for 3-4 hours. , reduced to a temperature of 20°C, and charge the battery until a constant voltage and electrolyte density are reached for two hours. After charging, the electrolyte density is adjusted to 1.230 ± 1 , 005 g/cm3.

9.5. 6 Battery overhaul

The overhaul of SK batteries includes the following works:

1. replacement of electrodes;
2. replacing tanks or laying them out with acid-resistant material;
3. repair of electrode ears;
4. repair or replacement of shelving.

Electrodes should be replaced, as a rule, not earlier than after 15-30 years of operation.
Overhaul of CH batteries is not carried out, batteries are replaced. Replacement must be made no earlier than after 10 years of operation.
For overhaul, it is advisable to invite specialized repair companies. Repairs are carried out in accordance with applicable technological instructions repair companies.
Depending on the operating conditions of the battery in overhaul remove the entire battery or part of it.
The number of batteries to be repaired in parts is determined from the condition of ensuring the minimum allowable voltage on the DC buses for specific consumers of this battery.
To close the battery circuit when repairing it in groups, jumpers must be made of insulated flexible copper wire. The wire cross section is chosen so that its resistance (R) in ohms does not exceed the resistance of a group of disconnected batteries, determined by the formula:
,
Where n- the number of disconnected batteries;
No. A - battery number.
The ends of the jumpers must be clamped with clamps.
At partial replacement electrodes must be guided by the following rules:

1. it is not allowed to install both old and new ones in the same battery, as well as varying degrees wear electrodes of one polarity;
2. when replacing only positive electrodes in the battery with new ones, it is allowed to leave the old negative ones if they are checked with a cadmium electrode.