Field test of the polarization controller on a mixed battery string

An experiment being performed to prove the feasibility of a polarization controller for use with central office battery strings is described. The polarization controller is an active electronic device that is designed to increase the reliability and life of batteries used in telecommunications float service. If the polarization is too high, the cell will require water more often, will corrode faster and will have increased grid growth. If the polarization is too low or negative, corrosion will also be increased. For either case the end result will be a shorter life. The optimum value for the polarization voltage must be found and controlled to maximize cell life, avoid catastrophic failures and increase the battery string reliability