An expert management system for VRLA batteries in remote telecommunications centers

Reliability and longevity of “valve-regulated Pb-acid” (VRLA) batteries in noncontrolled environments is one of the foremost problems in telecommunications today. With the increasing trend for network decentralization and deployment of electronics outside and with the thrust to reduce maintenance and support staff, the need to prolong life and increase reliability of VRLA batteries while reducing maintenance costs has become an area of focus. This paper presents an “expert-based” battery management system designed to monitor and prolong the life of batteries, particularly of VRLAs in outside plant cabinets. The architecture of the system and the general operation of the battery performance algorithms are described. The paper also presents the results of extensive testing done by Stenter on VRLA batteries using the mid-point monitoring technique. This technique is the cornerstone of the battery failure detection algorithm used by the system