Computerized test equipment for stationary batteries

A growing number of stationary lead-acid battery installations are reaching the limits of their service life. In order to safely extend their service life, computer based battery testing and monitoring systems have been used successfully to determine the capacity without subjecting the battery to a complete discharge, as would normally be the case in standard practice. This paper describes the technical issues surrounding the test equipment and the methodology. Test results from over 8000 cells are presented, along with a case study showing how the service life of an aging battery was extended by two years