Saft SUN+ 100 Installation And Operating Instructions

Sunica.plus Ni-Cd batteries
Installation and operating instructions
Important recommendations
Never allow an exposed flame or spark
near the batteries particularly while
charging.
Never smoke while performing any
operation on the battery.
For protection, wear rubber gloves, long
sleeves, and appropriate splash goggles
or face shield.
The electrolyte is harmful to skin and
eyes. In the event of contact with skin
or eyes, wash immediately with plenty
of water. If eyes are affected, flush
with water, and obtain immediate
medical attention.
Remove all rings, watches and other
items with metal parts before working
on the battery.
Use insulated tools.
Avoid static electricity and take measures
for protection against electric shocks.
Discharge any possible static electricity
from clothing and/or tools by touching
an earth-connected part "ground" before
working on the battery.
1. Receiving the shipment
Do not overturn the package. Check the
packages and cells for transport damage.
The cells are shipped filled and charged, and
is ready for immediate use.
Transport seals are located under the lid of
each vent, they must be removed prior to
mounting.
The cells must never be charged with the
plastic transport seals in place as this is
dangerous and can cause permanent
damage.
2. Storage
Store the cells indoors in a dry, clean, cool
location (0°C to +30°C / +32°F to +86°F)
and well ventilated space on open shelves.
Storage of filled cells at temperatures above
+30°C (+86°F) can result in loss of capacity.
This can be as much as 5% per 10°C
(18°F) above +30°C (+86°F) per year.
Do not store in direct sunlight or expose to
excessive heat.
Sunica.plus batteries are supplied filled with
electrolyte and charged, they can be stored
in this condition for maximum 2 years
from date of shipment.
Never drain the electrolyte from the cells.
3. Installation
3.1. Location
Install the battery in a dry and clean room.
Avoid direct sunlight and heat. The battery
will give the best performance and maximum
service life when the ambient temperature is
between +10°C to +30°C / +50°F to +86°F.
3.2. Ventilation
During the last part of charging, the battery
is emitting gases (oxygen and hydrogen
mixture). At normal float charge, the gas
evolution is very small but some ventilation
is necessary.
Note that special regulations for
ventilation may be valid in your area
depending on the application.
3.3. Mounting
Verify that cells are correctly interconnected
with the appropriate polarity. The battery
connection to load should be with nickel
plated cable lugs.
Recommended torques for terminal
bolts are:
• M6 = 11 ± 1.1 N.m (97.4 ± 9.8 lbf.in)
• M8 = 20 ± 2 N.m (177.0 ± 17.7 lbf.in)
• M10 = 30 ± 3 N.m (265.0 ± 26.6 lbf.in)
The connectors and terminals should be
corrosion-protected by coating with a thin
layer of anti-corrosion oil.
Remove the transport seals and close the
vent caps.
If a central water filling system is used as an
option, refer to the corresponding
installation and operating instructions sheet.
3.4 Electrolyte
When checking the electrolyte levels,
a fluctuation in level between cells is not
abnormal and is due to the different
amounts of gas held in the separators
of each cell. The level should be at least
15 mm above the minimum level mark
and there is normally no need to adjust it.
Do not top-up prior to initial charge.
After commissioning, when the level is
stabilized, it should be not less than
5 mm below the maximum level mark.
4. Commissioning
Verify that the transport seals are removed
and the ventilation is adequate during the
operation.
A good commissioning is important.
Charge at constant current is preferable.
If the current limit is lower than indicated
in the table A, charge for a proportionally
longer time.
December 2013
4.1. Cells stored up to 6 months:
A commissioning charge is normally not
required and the cells are ready for immediate
use. If full performances are necessary
immediately, a commissioning charge as
mentioned in section 5.4. is recommended.
4.2. Cells stored more than 6 months
and up to 2 years:
A commissioning charge is necessary.
• Commissioning at ambient temperature
between +10°C to +30°C
(+50°F to +86°F)
- Constant current charge:
20 h at 0.1 C A recommended
5
(see table A)
Note: At the end of the charge, the cell
voltage will reach the level of 1.75V/cell,
thus the charger shall be able to supply
such voltage.
When the charger maximum voltage
setting is too low to supply constant
current charging, divide the battery in two
parts to be charged individually.
- Constant potential charge: 1.55 V/cell
for a minimum of 24 hours with current
limited to 0.1 C A (see the current in
5
Table A).
• Commissioning at ambient temperature
above +30°C (+50°F)
- Only constant current charge:
20 h at 0.1 C recommended.
5
The electrolyte temperature is to be
monitored during charge. If the
temperature exceeds +45°C (+113°F)
during charging, then it must be stopped to
reduce the temperature. The charging can
be resumed when electrolyte temperature
drops below +40°C (+104°F).
In the case of remote areas, where
the only charger available is the photovoltaic
array, the battery should be connected to the
system with no connected load and no
voltage limit. The battery should then be
charged in good sunshine conditions. During
this operation, the Ah charged shall be in the
magnitude of 1.6 time the rated capacity,
and, in order to limit the risk of electrolyte
overflow, it is recommended not to exceed
the charge current value specified
in the Table A.