Battery Test Operation

A successful battery test will run for 20 s during which time the battery voltage is measured three times. These three voltage readings are known as the Beginning, Middle and End readings. They are recorded in the Event Log at the completion of the test as Beg, Mid and End. The PowerLogic ADVC Controller uses these three voltages to determine the capacity of the batteries, OK or Not OK.

Figure 310
Battery Test Voltage readings in the Event Log

A Battery Test can be initiated in response to either of the following:

• An operator request

• An automatic time out

The PowerLogic ADVC Controller turns off the battery charger and applies a
4.7 Ohm load resistor across the battery.

• The battery voltage (Beg) is measured after 100 ms.

• The load test continues for a further 9.8 s and the battery voltage (Mid) is measured again.

• The load resistor is removed after another 100 ms

• The battery is allowed to recover for 10.0 s after which the battery voltage (End) is measured.

The PowerLogic ADVC Controller calculates the capacity of the batteries using the temperature compensated Beginning, Middle and End voltages measured during the test.

If the voltage drops excessively during the on-load time, or fails to recover sufficiently after the load is removed according to the algorithm employed, the result of the test will be: Capacity Not OK.

Normal operation of the CAPE is suspended for the 20 s duration of the battery test unless the battery test has been stopped. If the battery test is stopped, the CAPE will revert to its pre-battery test state.