Common Problems with Performance/Testing of Batteries Surendra (Sal) Salgia Exelon Generaration 6-12-16

Definitions Acceptance Test: A constant‑current or constant‑power capacity test made on a new battery to confirm that it meets specifications or manufacturer's ratings. Capacity Test: A discharge of a battery at a constant‑current or constant‑power to a specified terminal voltage. Duty Cycle: The loads a battery is expected to supply for specified time periods while maintaining a minimum specified voltage.

Definitions Performance Test: A constant current or constant power capacity test made on a battery after it has been in service, to detect any change in the capacity Service Test: A test in the “as found” condition of the battery’s capability to satisfy the battery duty cycle Modified Performance Test: A test, in the “as found” condition, of battery capacity and the ability of the battery to satisfy the duty cycle.

Critical Attributes for Successful Discharge Test Test Equipment Hookup: Use of clear labeling on the cables and protective devices. Ensure that all power cables, protective devices are properly sized and rated for DC applications. Test Equipment Power Sources: Loss of AC power to the discharge test equipment will cause an interruption in the battery discharge load test. This could invalidate the test and require the battery to be recharged and re-tested. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI): Unless a GFCI is clearly required by site procedures and policies, they shall not be used in battery testing power circuits.

Critical Attributes for Successful Discharge Test Load bank operation: Ensure all load bank cooling fans, resistors, contactors, and fuses are intact and operating properly Controller configuration: Laptop computer settings should be checked prior to every test to ensure that have not been altered since the last test. Test instrument calibration: Test instruments (Voltmeter, Clamp On Ammeter, Stop Watch etc.) used to satisfy Technical Specification surveillance parameters must be certified / calibrated. Use of redundant instrumentation is recommended to provide additional assurance in the event an instrument is lost, broken or found out of calibration.

Critical Attributes/IEEE-450 Alarm and Shutdown Values: Alarm values are typically set to alert test personnel that the battery or cells within the battery string have reached an alert level. Frequency of Conducting Battery Discharge Testing Per IEEE-450: Acceptance Test at Factory or upon initial installation as determined by the user Performance test within first two years of service. Additional performance tests at five year intervals until the battery shows sign of degradation A service test of battery capability may be required by the user to meet specific application requirements

Discharge Test Interruptions Interruption of a service test or the service test portion of a modified performance test is not permitted. An interruption of a fixed rate performance or capacity test is clearly addressed in IEEE-450, which provides up to a 6-minute interruption. A short interruption during a performance test does not have a significant impact on the capacity evaluation of the battery.

Common Problems with Performance /Acceptance Testing Conclusion: Plan ahead Follow safety STAR Questions: ???