UFC 3 -520-01
June 10, 2002
CHAPTER 14
STATIONARY BATTERY SYSTEMS
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STATIONARY BATTERIES.
14-1.1
Selection.
14-1.1.1 To an ever-increasing degree, manufacturers design battery cells for specific
applications. A cell designed for reliable, long -life service in one application can fail
quickly in another application. The system designer is responsible for selecting the best
battery for a given application. The b est design balances system technical
requirements and goals with cost and ongoing maintenance requirements. When
selecting the battery size and type, consider the following factors:
Application and duty cycle requirements.
System interface limitations.
Service environment.
Initial equipment cost.
Installation cost.
Ongoing maintenance cost.
Periodic replacement cost.
14-1.1.2 Use vented lead acid batteries preferentially for switchgear control power and
UPS applications. Batteries for switchgear o r backup power applications should be
rated for general purpose, switchgear, or utility use. Batteries for UPS applications
should be rated for UPS or high-rate use.
14-1.1.3 Nickel-cadmium batteries are often more expensive than vented lead-acid
batteries and should be considered primarily for extreme temperature environments or
engine-starting applications. Nickel-cadmium batteries are preferred for engine starting
applications because of their high-rate discharge capability.
14-1.1.4 As a general practice, do not use a valve -regulated lead acid (VRLA) battery
if a vented lead-acid battery will satisfy the design requirements. VRLA batteries have
exhibited a shorter service life than vented equivalents and have shown a tendency to
fail without warning . Refer to AFPAM 32-1186, Valve-Regulated Lead-Acid Batteries
for Stationary Applications, for additional information regarding VRLA batteries.
14-1.1.5 VRLA batteries are allowed to be used in the following types of applications:
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