The BITE3 measures float current and the harmonic content of the ripple current. Along with temperature, specific gravity and other battery data, can provide the best basis for evaluating the overall health of batteries from terminal plate to terminal plate.
Features and Benefits
- Calculates impedance automatically and stores results for on-site review to make immediate decisions
- Serial connector for uploading stored data to a personal computer and to download data from PowerDB
- Measures a wide range of batteries
- On-line testing requiring no downtime and introduces less risk to battery testing compared to load testing and other techniques
- Stores more than 1 million cells' data in any string configuration - no need to stop, download. delete and continue
- Firmware and software updates are fast and easy for PowerDB and the BITE3 through the internet
- No programming skills required. PowerDB is an easy to use, fully functional battery software capable of storing as much information and data as your hard drive (or network) has memory to store
- PowerDB has the ability to import images such as IR thermographs, diagrams or photographs. This helps to document visual inspections, string configurations, installation techniques, or other aspects of battery systems. Images and data are stored together, providing convenient and easy access
- The BITE3 and PowerDB accomodate multiple languages
Data Analysis
PowerDB has the ability to download site and string information and data as well as firmware updates to the BITE3. The data downloaded into the BITE3 gives access to the most recent data for the strings being tested during the upcoming week or month.
Configuring the BITE3 using PowerBD
The PowerBD software allows you to easily and quickly configure the BITE3 remotely. Simply enter the desired settings in the information and settings page of PowerDB. Then UPLOAD the settings to the BITE3 connected to the PC.
Data can be easily transferred from the BITE3 and then viewed and analyzed using PowerDB. In PowerDB LITE each test is saved as an XML file. Select the desired string then selects the desired test (XML file) performed on that string.
Measuring Jars with Multiple Cells using PowerDB
A battery consists of a jar that ca contain multiple cells When performing battery testing, it is important to take measurement on the individual cell if possible. However, with most batteries it is only possible to take measurements on the jar. Since this is the smallest unit that can be replaced, this makes sense. Yet some batteries that have multiple cells also have multiple posts that allow for the measurements of the cells within the jar. For this reason we allow PowerDB to be configured for this application.
In the "String" sections of the report, the number of jars and cells can be selected. When the smallest unit of measure is the jar then these numbers will be equal, as shown below.
If you have a jar with multiple cells and you can choose to measure the multiple cells then you can configure PowerDB for this application.
Applications
It is known that impedance is correlated to battery capacity and there has been a long-standing question as to when a user should replace a cell. Recent studies by EPRI* and other organizations indicate that when the impedance of a sealed battery increases by about 50% from its baseline value, the cell has degraded to less than about 70% capacity. BITE3 and PowerDB allow the user to trend data and to enter baseline values for comparison purposes and to make decisions whether on-site or in the office. Both the BITE3's impedance deviation graph and the trend graph in PowerDB clearly show the status of a cell which helps users to decide what action needs to be taken to ensure battery back up reliability based on users' criteria.
A battery's internal impedance increases as its capacity decreases due to various factors such as age, ambient temperature, discharge history, etc. The BITE3 measures internal impedance and dc voltage for lead-acid cells. It also measures intercell connection resistance, float current and ripple current and the harmonic content of the ripple current to provide a much better evaluation than any other single instrument. Impedance finds electrical path problems due to plate sulphation, post seal corrosion, dry-out (loss of compression), poor intracell welds and intercell connections and more. These data let the user determine maintenance needs such as:
- Cell replacement criteria based on impedance trends
- Jumper out a cell or two
- Clean and/or retighten intercell connectors
- Shorten the maintenance interval, etc.
- Evaluate float current and ripple current effects
Typical installations that can be tested using the BITE3 include:
- Electrical power generation plants
- Substations — utility, railroad, industrial
- Telecommunications facilities — OSP, Wireless, POPs, MTSOs, Fiber Regens
- UPS systems — standard and cabinetized batteries
- Railroad — Signals and Communications, CTC
- Aircraft Power Supplies
- Marine and military