
Drop incapacity of more than 10% compared to the baseline or previous measurement
20% or more increase in resistance compared to baseline or previous
Sustained high temperatures, compared to baseline and manufacturer’s specs
Degradation in plate condition
The Institute of Electronic and Electrical Engineers (IEEE) is the primary source of standard practices for battery maintenance. Over the life of the battery, The IEEE recommends performing a combination of tests periodically as seen in the chart below.
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The IEEE also recommends the following schedule for discharge testing:
An acceptance test made at the manufacturer’s factory or upon initial installation
Periodic discharge testing—at an interval not greater than 25% of the expected service life, or two years, whichever is less
Annual discharge testing—when any battery has reached 85% of the expected service life or dropped >10% from capacity
Since scheduling full-scale discharge testing can be difficult, good regular maintenance is extremely important. By operating the battery according to manufacturer charging requirements and following the IEEE recommendations for battery testing, it should be possible to maximize the life of the battery system.
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