Maintaining lead-acid batteries properly is vital to ensuring reliable operation in telecom base stations. Routine checks and adherence to maintenance protocols can extend the lifespan of the batteries and prevent sudden failures.
1. Regular Visual Inspections
Perform frequent visual checks to identify early signs of deterioration or malfunction:
- Corrosion: Inspect battery terminals for any signs of corrosion or build-up. Clean corroded terminals using a mixture of baking soda and water.
- Leakage: Look for electrolyte leakage, which can indicate cracked casings or overcharging.
- Swelling: Bulging or swelling of the battery case may indicate internal damage or overcharging issues, necessitating immediate replacement.
2. Monitoring Charge Levels
- State of Charge (SoC): Monitor the battery’s charge level regularly. Lead-acid batteries should be kept at a charge of at least 50% to prevent deep discharge, which can damage the cells.
- Equalization Charging: Periodic equalization charging is essential to balance the voltage across individual cells, ensuring uniform charging. This is particularly important in large battery banks where some cells may charge unevenly.
3. Battery Testing
- Load Testing: Perform periodic load testing to ensure the battery can sustain the required power output. A failing battery will show a significant drop in voltage under load.
- Specific Gravity Testing: For flooded lead-acid batteries, measure the specific gravity of the electrolyte using a hydrometer. This helps assess the state of charge and detect any cells that are failing.
4. Temperature Monitoring
As temperature directly affects battery performance, monitor the ambient temperature of the battery room and the battery’s internal temperature. Install thermal sensors and alarms to alert operators when temperatures exceed safe thresholds.
