Generator Batteries Testing
Generator battery failures can occur due to various reasons, emphasizing the importance of regular maintenance. Key causes include lack of maintenance, sulfation (from incomplete charging), improper charging practices, advanced age, environmental factors (like temperature and moisture), incorrect battery sizing, and poor storage conditions. Optimal battery performance is maintained within an ambient temperature of 19ºC to 22ºC, as extremes can lead to decreased capacity or overheating. Proper battery terminal care, regular impedance testing, and timely replacement of aging batteries are crucial for reliability. Leaking batteries pose serious hazards and should be replaced immediately. For assistance with battery replacement, contact Power Continuity.
Generator Battery failure does happen. No Battery = No Start !!
Just as the generator, the battery also needs regular maintenance, that is why you have to check and test yourbatteriesfrequently.
Reasons of battery failure;
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Lack of maintenance: Regular maintenance is crucial for the optimal performance and lifespan of the generator batteries. Failure to perform regular inspections, cleaning and testing can lead to battery degradation and failure.
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Sulfation: Sulfation occurs when lead-acid batteries are not fully charged, causing lead sulfate crystals to build up on the battery plates. This hinders the battery's ability to hold and deliver power, ultimately leading it to fail.
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Overcharging or undercharging: Generator batteries should be properly charged to avoid overcharging or undercharging. Overcharging can cause excessive heat and degradation of battery components, while undercharging can result in sulfation and reduced battery capacity.
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Age and wear: Like all batteries, generator batteries have a limited lifespan. Over time, the chemical reactions within the battery degrade its capacity, leading to diminished performance and eventual failure.
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Environmental factors:Extreme temperatures, particularly high temperatures can accelerate battery deterioration and shorten its lifespan. Additionally, exposure to moisture, vibration and corrosive substances can also contribute to battery failure.
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Incorrect sizing: Using a battery with inadequate capacity or incompatible specifications for the generator can also lead to premature failure.
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Improper storage: If a generator is not used regularly, the battery can deteriorate over time. Storing the battery in a discharged state can cause irreversible damage and significantly reduce the lifespan.
Operational Temperature
The optimum battery performance is achieved if the battery operational ambient temperature is constantly between 19ºC and 22ºC and you keep the battery terminals clean and greased.
Reasons why?
Below 19ºC or much lower and batteries will under perform placing a strain on the battery. Above 22ºC will increase the battery capacity unnecessarily and dramatically reduces battery life.
Causes of overheating
High battery temperatures happen when the ambient temperature of battery storage environment is constantly above 22C for long periods. For instance during a HOT summer. Long periods of generator running at capacity will also have the same effect. If the ambient remains constantly above 22C then this adversely effects the chemical structure of the batteries, causing the internal heat generated by the batteries to rise, so give off additional heat. This causes the situation to get worse and is a vicious circle, “thermal runaway”.When batteries charge, they give off some heat , so never be surprised if your generator batteries are warm to the touch. The onboard battery charger will kick from time to time to keep them fully charged. On the other hand if they are ‘HOT to the touch’, they need replacing as they’re almost at END of LIFE. Be warned!
Generator Battery Failure
As each individual battery cell weakens over time, the battery will charge at a disproportionate faster rate than the norm and will begin to take down the rest of the battery string of which it is apart of. It will over heat as the battery overcharges creating hot spots as each the cell fails until all the cells in that battery completely, fail.
Battery Terminals
Always ensure the battery contacts are cleaned and greased. Never allow chemical build up on the terminals as this will cause the battery to short and again reduce the battery life.
Battery Impedance
Annual battery impedance tests will prove whether the batteries are fully charged. Also, correctly charging, not deteriorating since the last test and what is their present life expectancy. Power Continuity carry out generator battery failure impedance tests when requested by the site.
Battery age
All batteries have a design life ‘sell by date’. Do not risk going over the sell by date! Therefore we advise replacing batteries well inside their design life date.
Don’t risk it- Replace early and stay power protected!
Battery leaks
All batteries are a chemical mix of acids and chemicals. Leaks do happen and are ‘ACIDIC’ and poisonous gases. Replace any leaking battery immediately. If you ignore this, the leak will be corrosive onto the next battery, causing dangerous gases and FIRE RISK.