A diagnostic testing program for large lead acid storage battery banks

This paper presents a justification for the need and a discussion of the methods to perform capacity discharge and intercell resistance tests on large storage industrial battery banks in standby applications. Reliability and economic data are presented that help demonstrate battery bank criticality, consequence and cause of failure, and the need for comprehensive battery maintenance programs, which include battery diagnostic testing. Recommended test frequencies, and replacement criteria are included along with the equipment required to perform these tests, as well as the capability to maintain a standby power source during testing