Batteries

A wide range of batteries are available in a choice of materials and configurations to suit different performance requirements.

Stationary batteries can be divided into two different groups, lead batteries (Pb) and nickel cadmium batteries (NiCd). Both types are available in free-venting (FV) and valve-regulated versions (VR). Free-vented versions allow topping up with water, but valve-regulated versions do not require topping up, since the oxygen and hydrogen recombine to produce water. Ventilation requirements are therefore lower for VR batteries than for FV batteries.

VR batteries come in two different types; one with a gel electrolyte and the other with the electrolyte absorbed in glass mat (AGM). VR batteries give a very compact configuration and require less floor space than FV batteries

PbFV free-venting lead batteries with liquid electrolyte (flooded)

These are well-proven batteries with robust construction that are most suitable for low and moderate current loads with discharge times in excess of one hour.

Service life 10–20 years at 20°C.

Permits maintenance in the form of topping up with water.

Classic OPzS from GNB Industrial Power

Capacity, single cell 2V - 100-3350 Ah

Capacity, battery 6V/12V - 50-300 Ah

Service life at 20°C - 15 - 20 years

Low maintenance due to optimised alloy and large electrolyte reserve

PowerSafe OPzS from Enersys

Capacity, single cell 2V - 216Ah-3360Ah Ah

Water top-up interval - 3 years

Service life at 20°C - 20 years

Low maintenance

PowerSafe Vb from Enersys

Capacity, battery 2V - 275 Ah-2400 Ah

Capacity, battery 6V/12V - 50-246 Ah

Water top-up interval - 3-5 years on standby at 20°C

Service life at 20°C _ 15-20 years

Low maintenance

PbVR AGM valve-regulated lead AGM batteries

These are valve regulated batteries in which the electrolyte is absorbed in glass fiber mats (hence AGM, Absorbed Glass Mat), giving excellent high-current characteristics and making them suitable for moderate to high loads with short discharge times. There is no need for topping up with water, as the gases recombine inside the battery.

These batteries permit very compact configurations, especially with front terminal versions.

Service life 4–12+ years at 20°C.

PowerSafe V Front Terminal from Enersys

Capacity, 12V block - 31-190 Ah

Service life at 20°C - 15 years

Six months shelf life at 20°C

Front terminal connections for fast and easy installation and maintenance

Reduced maintenance: No water addition required

PowerSafe V from Enersys

Capacity, 2V cells - 200-1769 Ah

Capacity, 4–12V block - 46-518 Ah

Service life at 20°C - 12+ years

Six months shelf life at 20°C

Reduced maintenance: No water addition required

Marathon FT from GNB Industrial Power

Capacity, 12V block - 35-200 Ah

Service life at 20°C - 12+ years

Low self-discharge rate, enabling extended storage capability

Reduced maintenance: No water addition required

Marathon L/XL from GNB Industrial Power

Capacity, 2V cells - 220-575 Ah

Capacity, 6–12V block - 14-179 Ah

Service life at 20°C - 12 years

Low self-discharge rate, enabling extended storage capability

Reduced maintenance: No water addition required

NiCd - nickel cadmium batteries

There are actually two basic types of nickel cadmium batteries. These are distinguished by the method used to construct the plates. One is called, pocket plate and the other, sintered-plate design.

The basic difference between the pocket and sintered plate is that, in the pocket type, the active material of the plates is encased within perforated steel pockets, while the sintered type has the active material contained in a sintered structure surrounding the grid.

The sintered method is more expensive per ampere-hour than the pocket plate type, but it has superior performance at high rates and reduced capacity loss at low temperatures.

Nickel cadmium batteries are available in free-venting and valve-regulated versions, and are available in low-maintenance and zero-maintenance versions.

Nickel-cadmium batteries have a legendary reputation for robustness, reliability and service life. This is the benchmark technology for difficult and demanding applications: operating temperatures from –40 °C to +60 °C (because the electrolyte has a very low freezing point), excellent cycling capability (up to 3,000 cycles), long storage life, and low or zero maintenance.

Ultima SLM from Saft

Pocket plate technology

Valve-regulated battery in which water can be topped up:

Capacity, 1.2V–7.2V - 8-850 Ah

Service life at 20°C - 20 years

Extended storage capability

Reduced maintenance: No water addition required but is possible

Uptimax New Generation Ni-Cd from Saft

Pocket plate technology

Valve-regulated battery

Capacity, 34 cells - 15-1700 Ah

Capacity, 38 cells - 8-1330 Ah

Service life at 25°C - 20 years

Extended storage capability

Maintenance free at recommended operating conditions.

SPH from Saft

Sintered plate technology

Free-venting battery      

Capacity - 11-320 Ah

Service life at 20°C - 20 years

Extended storage capability

Reduced maintenance

Water top-up interval     10 years

GAZ - KL, KM, KH from Enersys

Pocket plate technology

Valve-regulated battery

Capacity - 10-1700Ah

Service life at 20°C - 20 years

Extended storage capability

Reduced maintenance

Choosing battery type

Important characteristics when choosing batteries

• Ambient temperature
• Service life
• Discharge time
• Maintenance requirements
• Space requirements

We can help you choose the right battery type, calculate capacity, high-temperature ageing, ventilation requirements and recommend suitable racking.

Optional accessories include standard battery cabinets and racks, and classified racks for seismic loads.

Main features

• We offer both lead-acid and nickel-cadmium batteries from high quality brands.
• We offer valve regulated or free vented types for optimum installation and operation
• We assist you in design with selection of battery type, sizing to fit the load, stand or cabinet for minimum space
• We assist you in commissioning and capacity test on site