(a) Safety Precautions for Emergency Battery Banks:
Here are five crucial safety precautions to be observed for the location and storage of a large bank of emergency batteries:
- Ventilation: The battery bank room should have proper ventilation to remove hydrogen gas emitted during charging. Hydrogen gas is highly flammable and can pose an explosion risk if allowed to accumulate.
- Temperature Control: Maintain a cool and controlled ambient temperature within the battery room. Excessive heat can accelerate battery degradation and increase the risk of thermal runaway.
- Earthing: The battery bank frame and all associated metallic components must be properly earthed to prevent the risk of electrical shock and potential stray currents.
- Fire Safety: Implement fire safety measures like fire extinguishers and fire alarms in the battery room. Store flammable materials away from the battery bank to minimize fire hazards.
- Eye Protection: Wear appropriate eye protection (safety glasses or goggles) when working around the battery bank. This is important to protect against potential splashes of electrolyte or airborne debris during maintenance.
Additional Considerations:
- Signage: Post clear warning signs on the door indicating the presence of batteries and potential hazards.
- Restricted Access: Limit access to the battery room only to authorized and trained personnel.
- Spill Containment: Have appropriate spill kits readily available for any potential electrolyte spills.
(b) Weekly Maintenance Tasks for Lead-Acid Battery Banks:
Here are five essential weekly routine maintenance tasks for a lead-acid battery bank:
- Visual Inspection: Perform a visual inspection of the entire battery bank for any signs of damage, corrosion, leaks, or loose connections. Look for any swelling or bulging of individual battery cells.
- Electrolyte Level Check: For vented batteries, check the electrolyte level in each cell. The level should be between the upper and lower level indicators on the battery case. Top up with distilled water only, if necessary. Never add acid.
- Terminal Cleaning: Clean any corrosion or dirt from the battery terminals and cable connections using a baking soda and water solution. Ensure all connections are tight and secure.
- Voltage Measurement: Measure the terminal voltage of each battery cell using a voltmeter. Record the readings for future reference. Significant deviations from the expected voltage might indicate a weak or failing cell.
- Temperature Monitoring: Monitor the ambient temperature within the battery room. Excessive heat can shorten battery lifespan. Take corrective actions if the temperature exceeds recommended limits.
Additional Maintenance Tasks (Monthly or As Needed):
- Equalization Charging: Perform an equalization charge periodically (as per manufacturer’s instructions) to balance the state of charge between all cells in the battery bank.
- Capacity Testing: Periodically conduct capacity tests to assess the overall health and remaining capacity of the battery bank.
By following these routine maintenance practices, you can help ensure the optimal performance, reliability, and lifespan of your emergency lead-acid battery bank.