Stationary batteries need to be maintained and tested regularly and even maintenance-free batteries can deteriorate over time. All it takes is one battery in a string to fail to take the entire string offline. One bad battery can affect the usable life of adjacent batteries by raising their charge voltage; and a battery or interconnect with a high impedance can overheat, ignite or explode during discharge. In addition to providing backup power, stationary batteries are also increasingly used to store renewable energy. These batteries are subject to the same potential degradation and also need to be tested regularly.
Fluke noticed that most of the battery testers on the market had either no CAT rating or a low CAT rating and as a result developed a more efficient battery analyser with a CAT III safety rating, the Fluke 500 series. The company was also able to address the requirements of IEEE Standard 1188, which was established in 2005 after most other battery analysers on the market had been developed. This standard governs maintenance, test schedules and testing procedures for optimising the life and performance of stationary batteries.
The Fluke 500 series is intuitive and specifically designed for measuring all kinds of stationary batteries, including GEL, AGM (absorbed glass MAT), lithium-ion and wet-cell lead-acid. The analysers offer improved impedance test performance, even in high-ripple environments. The intuitive user interface and intelligent test probes simplify the testing process by guiding technicians quickly through setups. The result is reduced measurement complexity and cost, with increased accuracy, safety and operational efficiency.
All three Fluke 500 series battery analysers – the BT 510/520/521 – offer a broad range of battery test functions, including simultaneously measuring DC voltage while testing internal resistance and full condition testing using automated string function testing.
The BT520 and BT521 include an intelligent test probe with an integrated LCD display that shows measurements right on the probe. Measurements can be captured automatically in sequence mode or manually by pressing the save button on the probe. The LCD display indicates that the measurement has been taken and saved and uses audible voice cues to indicate which measurements in the sequence have been made. The voice count battery ID identifies which battery is being tested to help keep track of progress – especially handy when testing a long string of batteries.
The BTL21 intelligent probe on the BT521 analyser has an infrared temperature sensor to measure temperature and up to two other data points simultaneously – 1000 V DC, 600 VA C and ripple – to provide a more complete view of battery health. All models also include ergonomic two-prong test lead probes with a Kelvin connection to ensure resistance measurement accuracy; replaceable tips to extend test lead life and further reduce the cost of ownership; and long reach test probe extenders for testing double stacked battery cells.
When testing is finished, measurements can be exported to a PC using Fluke battery management software so that users can easily compare results, analyse trends and generate battery analysis reports.
Waste To Energy thermal technologies DirectLogic Automation
Electrical Power & Protection
The vast quantities of waste produced around the world are a large and growing problem. Waste to Energy technology based on pyrolysis is a solution.
Read more...New enhanced Breaker Status and Communication Module Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Schneider Electric has launched its new Breaker Status and Communication Module (BSCM) Modbus SL/ULP, which delivers enhanced performance, improved connectivity and simplified integration for power distribution systems.
Read more...Building green industries to scale green economies
Electrical Power & Protection
Africa is taking bold steps to build green industries across the continent. Namibia is a trailblazer in the hydrogen space, with up to five Final Investment Decisions scheduled to be made in 2025/2026 and is pioneering a world first for green industrialisation.
Read more...Easing the path for IPPs navigating South Africa’s energy regulations
Electrical Power & Protection
Independent Power Producers and developers venturing into South Africa’s renewable energy sector face a challenging regulatory landscape. SPS is a renewable energy asset management company that is actively expanding into the energy trading and wheeling market, which will enable businesses to buy and sell energy directly
Read more...How energy storage will make or break SA’s renewable transition
Electrical Power & Protection
Energy storage is no longer an add-on, but the foundation of a reliable, resilient and renewable energy system. As South Africa accelerates towards a greener future, storage innovation could determine the difference between progress and paralysis.
Read more...Condition-based maintenance can revolutionise business continuity Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
As businesses experience growing pressure to enhance operational efficiency and reduce downtime due to electrical failure, condition-based maintenance becomes essential for preventing unforeseen equipment breakdowns by assessing the real-time health of electrical systems.
Read more...Boiler selection for optimal thermal energy performance
Electrical Power & Protection
The changing world of boilers means companies wishing to improve their thermal energy efficiencies while containing costs and environmental impacts must make careful and informed decisions. AES’s rich pool of experience, ability to keep pace with new steam trends and technologies, and understanding of their clients’ production processes can assist clients to weigh up different options in a careful and informed manner.
Read more...Securing Africa’s energy future starts at home ACTOM Electrical Machines
Electrical Power & Protection
Africa’s energy demands are surging, but the current reliance on imported solar technology leaves the continent vulnerable. This is why the prospect of building inverters and lithium batteries locally, designed for South Africa’s specific needs, is so promising.
Read more...Dry-type transformers for Dutch intake substation
Electrical Power & Protection
A data centre in the Netherlands is the site of a recent innovation on the transformer landscape, where TMC Transformers has designed, manufactured and installed dry-type transformers in a large intake substation.
Read more...Generators: The muscle in the new energy mix WEG Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Contrary to their reputation as noisy and dirty, generators are a key part of modern energy supplies. Generators are reliable electricity workhorses in times of need. But they are also becoming welcome additions to modern energy mixes through efficiency improvements, noise reduction and flexible design choices.
printer friendly version