Reducing battery maintenance costs through enhanced charge control and improved testing and monitoring techniques

This paper introduces readers to field battery audit results from a managed case study of two very different outside plant (OSP) battery installations. The field data is being developed in high temperature climate locations but the relevance is not limited to a high temperature scenario. This paper includes both laboratory and field data that illustrate how economies can be achieved through appropriate charge control and simplified battery analysis techniques used in conjunction with regular scheduled maintenance activity. Additionally, the author presents data obtained from an installed automated battery monitoring system capable of providing the necessary insight for understanding what direct field activity may be needed and at what intervals. Maintenance programs are designed to support and ensure some minimum system performance objectives. He compares the designated site performance targets against the actual measured performance observed at these installations and reports his preliminary conclusions based on this data.