Product category:
Batteries, chargers and circuit protection
News Release from: Alcad | Subject: Vantage VN cells
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 01 October 2003
Long-life NiCds outperform lead-acid
cells at sea
AB Pharos Marine has boosted the performance and reliability of its range of self-contained photovoltaic power systems by offering long-life rechargeable NiCd batteries as a replacement option.
AB Pharos Marine, the world leader in marine to navigation equipment, has boosted the performance and reliability of its range of self-contained photovoltaic (PV) power systems by offering Alcad ultra-low-maintenance, long-life, rechargeable nickel-cadmium (NiCd) batteries as a replacement option for the traditional VRLA (valve regulated lead acid) batteries The PV systems are designed either for use with new buoys, or for converting existing battery or gas powered lightbuoys to solar power, and have been accepted via the ATEX certification system for certification to Zone 1 Ex e when fitted with the Alcad batteries
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 5 Jul 2002 at 8.00am (UK)
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Pharos Marine has designed a range of special battery boxes to meet the requirements of Zone 1 certification while offering ingress protection to IP56.
The boxes, which are fabricated in either stainless steel or galvanised steel, include a special ventilated lid which prevents the buildup of evolved gases during charging.
Zone 1 Ex e certification has been obtained for the Pharos Marine PV system when fitted with a battery comprising 10 Alcad Vantage VN 285 cells connected in parallel.
Further reading
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Transco has upgraded the DC power backup system for its Scunthorpe gas compressor station by installing two 110V rechargeable nickel-cadmium batteries and a thyristor-controlled rectifier power unit.
Nickel-cadmium batteries for switch tripping units
PB Design has fitted Alcad XHP FR rechargeable nickel-cadmium batteries in highly specialised 50 and 110V battery switch tripping units installed in 17 stations on London Underground's Northern Line.
This provides a nominal 12V and 570Ah capacity at the C5 rate.
Versions are also available which offer 24V and 285Ah as well as 6V and 1140Ah.
Alcad Vantage VN cells are designed specifically for medium to low rate discharge duties.
They are ideally suited to replace valve regulated lead acid (VRLA) batteries for critical applications in power generation plant, offshore installations, maritime applications or in any other situation where a reliable source of backup power is essential.
The key feature of the Vantage VN cells is their pocket plate electrode technology which is proven to need only minimal attention after installation, since their noncorrosive construction and highly efficient electrochemistry reduces the requirement for repeated checks for topping-up and recharging.
This inherent reliability over a 20 year plus service life eliminates the fear of the unpredictable 'sudden death' failure sometimes encountered with lead-acid batteries, as well as enabling the user to benefit from savings over regular replacement, maintenance and down-time costs.
Compared with VRLA batteries, Vantage VN batteries are also more tolerant of electrical abuse such as overcharging, deep or even complete discharge, and offer superior performance at extremes of temperature, with an operating range of 0 to +40C.
Vantage VN series cells are available in nominal capacities from 8 to 476Ah.
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