Electrical Power & Protection


Battery monitoring for power utilities

August 2019 Electrical Power & Protection

Comtest now offers the Midtronics Cellguard ELS+ electrolyte level monitoring system, an innovative solution for power utilities’ critical power reliability. This customer-driven product assures reliable 24/7 monitoring of VLA (vented lead-acid) battery electrolyte levels and is easily integrated into a battery management system for battery maintenance. The ELS+ monitoring system is commonly used in reserve power applications for backup power in utilities, telecom and grid energy storage.

Strict monitoring is essential for VLA batteries to ensure optimal performance and a long operating life. VLA batteries (also called flooded batteries) continuously deplete their electrolyte by outgassing hydrogen and oxygen. Distilled water must be added to the battery as part of its maintenance. The lead plates inside the battery must be fully immersed in electrolyte in order to operate at optimal level. Once gassing occurs and plates are exposed, they become inactive, reducing battery capacity.

The ELS+ is an innovative solution to the age-old issue of monitoring electrolyte levels in flooded lead-acid batteries. It directly addresses a need within several markets, including the electric power market that now faces new requirements on infrastructure performance in a simple and cost-effective package.

The system is simple to install and is completely non-invasive to the battery. It saves time and money by eliminating the need for manual inspection. The ELS+ enhances safety by reducing the frequency of close contact with batteries and battery acid in additional to providing alarming when battery case temperatures reach abnormal levels. Other features include:

• Integrates into commercially available data collection systems.

• Saves time and protects from expensive battery replacement.

• Modular, quick connect cabling for time saving installation.

• Compatible with clear cased VLA batteries of any voltage, size or design.

Midtronics specialises in transportation and stationary battery solutions, serving global vehicle manufacturers, battery manufacturers, telecommunications and power generating companies.

For more information contact Comtest, +27 10 595 1821, [email protected], www.comtest.co.za



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Rail electrification and EV solutions for integrated transport systems
Electrical Power & Protection
A comprehensive range of solutions for rail electrification and electric vehicles is available from leading technology provider ABB, contributing significantly to integrated and sustainable transport systems.

Read more...
PPS delivers containerised distribution board for Western Cape hybrid power project
Electrical Power & Protection
South African electrical enclosure specialist Power Process Systems has successfully completed the design, fabrication and commissioning of a 4000 A containerised distribution board for a wind/PV solar hybrid renewable energy project on a site in the Western Cape.

Read more...
The choice of a thermal carrier is critical for optimal processing
Electrical Power & Protection
Historically steam, fuelled by coal, has been the most prevalent thermal carrier in South African industry. However, times are changing, with the manufacturing and processing sector needing to review the energy reticulation systems and thermal carriers currently in use.

Read more...
ABB’s blueprint for a net zero future
Electrical Power & Protection
ABB’s Mission to Zero is a strategic initiative aimed at achieving a sustainable future characterised by zero emissions, zero accidents and zero waste.

Read more...
How South Africa’s transformer manufacturing industry can fill a gaping infrastructure gap
ACTOM Electrical Machines Electrical Power & Protection
South Africa’s energy transition is accelerating the demand for power transformers. However, this shift toward renewable energy is exposing a critical infrastructure gap: a severe shortage of transformers.

Read more...
General-purpose 350 W AC-DC power supply
Electrical Power & Protection
The TDK-Lambda GUS350 series of compact single-output general-purpose power supplies addresses the need for an economically priced product while maintaining reliability and quality.

Read more...
Ground-breaking battery tester
Comtest Electrical Power & Protection
Midtronics offers the proven MVT handheld battery tester. This revolutionary tool, powered by MDX-AI, is set to redefine the standards of battery diagnostics and testing in the automotive industry.

Read more...
Green hydrogen could be the missing link in powering the future of technology
Electrical Power & Protection
Green hydrogen has numerous applications across multiple industries. It also has the potential to provide a clean energy source to power future technology, with far-reaching implications for both industry and society.

Read more...
Energy audits pave the pathway to sustainability and savings
Schneider Electric South Africa Electrical Power & Protection
Energy audits serve as essential tools for businesses looking to reduce costs and meet environmental targets. By analysing energy consumption across systems such as lighting, HVAC, ICT and water infrastructure, audits identify inefficiencies and quantify carbon footprints, enabling data-driven decisions for operational and financial optimisation.

Read more...
Passive fire protection for lithium-ion battery risks
Electrical Power & Protection
In response to the growing threat posed by lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery fires, a breakthrough passive fire protection solution is now available in South Africa.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved