Fully explained-Marine batteries | How to order a battery on ship?

1. Battery-short notes
2. Types of marine batteries
3. Starting or cranking batteries
4. Dual-purpose batteries
5. Deep cycle battery
6. Type of deep cycle batteries
7. Flooded deep cycle battery
8. Sealed or maintenance free battery
9. What is the difference between starting batteries and deep cycle batteries?
10. What does CCA mean?
11. What are CA and MCA?
12. What are the parts of the battery?
13. What are the alarms and indications on battery charger panel?
15. What is Electrolysis?
16. EMF, Potential difference, and Internal Resistance of battery
17. Battery charging methods
18. What are the types of charging a battery?
19. What is Initial and Normal Charge?
20. What is Float or Trickle Charge?
21. What is Quick Charge?
22. What is Equalizing or Special Charge?
23. What are the Indications of a fully charged battery?
24. What happens if I keep on charging a lead-acid battery after it’s fully charged?
25. What are the problems arising in the Lead Acid Batteries?
26. Battery – Application in a ship
27. What are the 24 VDC Services on a ship?
28. Hazards Associated With Marine Batteries
29. Electrical Safety Precautions
30. Handling Battery Acid
31. PPE Requirements for Electrolyte Handling
32. Battery Life
33. What are the precautions during cleaning the battery?
34. Battery maintenance (LEAD ACID BATTERIES)
35. Lead-acid battery maintenance procedure
36. 1.Weekly check
37. VRLA (Valve Regulated Lead Acid Battery) Maintenance-free batteries specific additional instructions:
38. 2.Monthly check
39. 3.Three monthly check
40. 4.Annual check
41. Safe operation and maintenance of VRLA lead-acid batteries
42. Maintenance of engine starter batteries and the starter circuit
43. 1.Weekly check
44. 2.Monthly check
45. 3.Annual check
46. What are the requirements as per SOLAS for the GMDSS battery?
47. Battery and battery room regulations as per SOLAS
48. Ship battery room PPE requirements
49. Why is the negative terminal of a battery disconnected first and connected last?
50. Why positive terminal of the battery is not grounded?
51. Why we use petroleum jelly, not grease for terminal corrosion protection in battery?
52. What is the difference between nickel-cadmium and lead-acid batteries?
53. How we can order battery on-board?
54. What is transitional batteries and their duration?
55. Battery capacity test how to do?
56. What is the Battery renewal duration for GMDSS?
57. Why do not keeping alkaline battery and lead-acid battery in the same compartment?
58. What is the charging current for 200 Ah battery?
59. Most commonly used batteries on the ship
60. How to do the battery load test
61. What is the difference between GMDSS and GENERAL battery?
62. What is the method of lifeboat battery charging?
63. Why lifeboat battery charging voltage is specifically 42VAC not 220VAC?
64. Can we did the battery Megger test?
65. Alkaline battery (Primary) size code

Battery-short notes

• A cell is a device for converting chemical energy and accumulate it in the formation of electrical energy by a process called electrolysis. Included an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte.
• A cell possibly a Primary cell or a Secondary cell.
• A primary cell has an irreversible chemical action and can’t be recharged once completely discharged.
• A secondary cell can be recharged for several cycles of charge and discharge.
• A group of cell (one or more cells) is called a battery.

Types of marine batteries

Generally, there are three types

1. Starting or cranking batteries
2. Dual-purpose batteries
3. Deep cycle batteries

Starting or cranking batteries

These batteries are designed to discharge a huge amount of energy short period

Dual-purpose batteries

These batteries are can be used as stating battery or deep cycling battery.

Deep cycle battery

A deep-cycle battery is made for maximal energy storage capacity and high cycle count or long life and run reliably until it is 80 percentage discharged or more. This is obtained by placed thick lead plates with the limited surface area. Generally used in UPS and marine applications.

Type of deep cycle batteries

There are different types. Generally, two common types are using in marine applications.

1. Flooded deep cycle battery
2. Sealed or maintenance-free deep cycle battery

Flooded deep cycle battery

• Its require regular monitoring
• To maintain the good performance of this type of battery should refill the battery when the electrolyte levels are low

Sealed or maintenance free battery

• These batteries are also called valve regulated lead acid batteries.
• Regular inspection is required for maintaining the best performance.
• No need to refill

What is the difference between starting batteries and deep cycle batteries?

• Starting batteries: discharge a huge amount of energy in short duration
• Deep cycle batteries: discharge a small amount of energy in long duration

What does CCA mean?

CCA – cold-cranking amps

Generally, it is used to determine a battery's capability to start an engine in cold temperatures. The amount of amps a lead-acid battery can deliver at 0 degrees F for 30 sec, while still keep terminal voltage equivalent to or higher than 1.2 volts per cell.

What are CA and MCA?

CA: cranking amps

MCA: Marine cranking amps: The amount of amps a lead-acid battery can deliver at 32 degrees F in 30 sec

What are the parts of the battery?

Main component parts shall be as follows

PARTS	MATERIAL
Positive plate	Pasted type with lead-calcium
separator	Glass fiber mat
Container and cover	Flame retardant ABS resin
Safety valve	rubber
connectors	Lead coating copper plate

What are the alarms and indications on battery charger panel?

• Input power fail (setting point: 50sec)
• Earth leakage (setting point: 5k)
• Over current
• Output under voltage (setting point: 22v)
• Output over voltage (setting point: 31v)

What is Electrolysis?

Electrolysis is a process of using an electric current to drive a chemical reaction resulting in the separation of materials.

EMF, Potential difference, and Internal Resistance of battery

The electromotive force (EMF) of a cell is the potential difference between the positive and negative plates of a cell on open circuit and is denoted by “E”

Potential Difference or Terminal voltage of the cell is the potential difference between the plates of a cell when delivering current to the external circuit and is denoted by “V”

Internal Resistance: The opposition offered to the flow of current in a cell is called the Internal Resistance of the cell and is represented by “r”. The internal resistance of the cell is due to Electrodes, electrolytes, and the terminals of the cell.

Battery charging methods

Charging - The operation carried out to revoke the discharged condition of a battery

A source of DC supply is required.

Constant current method – The charging current is kept constant by regulating the external resistance, the method being appropriated only for the initial charging of the battery.

Constant voltage method – The charging voltage is maintained constant. The charging current is high at the start however slowly reduces as the battery voltage builds up.

Constant voltage charge method is the most common method of charging

What are the types of charging a battery?

According to the condition of a battery, the following types of charges possibly given to a battery                                                                                       

• Initial Charge                                              
• Normal charge                                                                         
• Floating charge or Trickle Charge                
• Quick charge                                              
• Equalizing charge

What is Initial and Normal Charge?

Initial Charge: An extensive low-rate initial charge given to a brand new battery following the initial filling of electrolyte, the voltage/current rate, and charging time stated by the maker.

Normal charge: the standard charge given as per manufacturer data during the usual cycle of operation

What is Float or Trickle Charge?

The rate is set on by the battery voltage. A trickle charge manages to retain the battery at full charge while the battery is idle or on light load and it is done by the low current. Kept the voltage of the charging source is slightly higher than the battery voltage to obtain the preferred current

What is Quick Charge?

Quick charge is given when a battery should be recharged within the shortest time duration, the charge starts at a considerably higher rate than the usual rate. This type of charge is to be used only in an emergency situation and a quick charge could damage the battery.

What is Equalizing or Special Charge?

The special enhanced ordinary charge that is occasionally given as part of the maintenance routine. It makes sure that all sulfate is moved from the plates and that all the cells are put back to the greatest value of specific-gravity. The charge is continued until the Specific-gravity of all the cells show no vary for a four-hour period

What are the Indications of a fully charged battery?

During charging: it should take less current compare no normal charging current level.

Idle condition:  For 12V battery - Terminal voltage above or equal to 12.6V or equal to about the maximum charging voltage. And cell voltage becomes constant.

Best way: Measure the electrolyte with the help of a hydrometer. The specific gravity is 1.265 when fully charged for most common batteries

What happens if I keep on charging a lead-acid battery after it’s fully charged?

• Lifetime will be reducing and perhaps even damage the battery.
• Storing current will be more and hydrogen gas come out the form of a battery explosion due to electrolysis reaction.

What are the problems arising in the Lead Acid Batteries?

• Loss of Electrolyte – Due to high temperature, charging rates high and overcharging
• Sulphation – Generally noticed by whitish color on the plates and is effected by overcharging, over-discharging and kept the battery in a discharged condition for a long time.
• Stratification of electrolyte – Due to battery is not fully charged
• Failure of Separator – Due to excessive heat and overcharging
• Fully Discharge

Battery – Application in a ship

A Battery Power Pack is used as a TRANSITIONAL SOURCE OF POWER to supply the Emergency loads during the                                

1. Change-over from main power to the Emergency source of power       
2. When both the emergency and main power are a failure.
3. Emergency lighting, navigation equipment’s, telecommunication equipment’s, etc. of ship

What are the 24 VDC Services on a ship?

• Engine Control Systems
• Bridge control console
• Public address
• Elevator control unit
• Navigation light control and indication
• Fan control for cargo hold
• Auto telephone exchanger
• Gyrocompass
• Autopilot terminal unit
• Magnetic compass interface and dimmer unit
• Master clock
• Echo sounder interface and printer unit
• Speed log
• AIS
• Ship security alarm system-SSAS
• BNWAS
• Whistle signal controller

Hazards Associated With Marine Batteries

• Hydrogen Gas (a by-product of the battery charging process, lighter than air, flammable in nature, explosive mixture at 4 to 74 percentage by volume of air, and you can smell the acid in the battery if it heats up )
• Sulphuric Acid (corrosive material, burns to skin, burns to eyes, and never open the battery caps with your face directly over the battery)
• Electrical (short circuit the terminal by accident)
• Weight of the Battery (The battery is heavy, appropriate use of transport, handling to be careful to avoid a collision, when installation; pay attention to safety)

Electrical Safety Precautions

• Please be sure to according to the company and maker instructions.
• Please wear safety glasses, wear appropriate clothes, completes the accident prevention work.
• Smoking is prohibited, eliminate all fire, explosion, and fire risk.
• Avoid short circuits that cause fire and explosion danger.
• Don’t touch both battery terminals with your plain hands at the same time.
• Remove rings, watches, and dangling jewelry when working with or near batteries.  The metal in the jewelry can cause a shock or burn if they contact the battery terminals.
• Use only insulated tools to remove cell caps. Not at all place the tools or other metal parts on the battery.
• Consider covering battery terminals and connectors if possible with an insulating blanket before overhead inspections or repairs
• Ensure charger is turned off before connecting or disconnecting a battery to prevent arcing

Handling Battery Acid

• Always wear proper eye, face, and hand protection.
• Use non-metallic containers to handle liquid
• If the electrolyte is splashed into an eye, please rinse immediately with plenty of water, and promptly consult a medical team.
• To compose the electrolyte of a required specific gravity, at all times pour the concentrated acid gradually into the water; don’t pour the water into the acid directly. If detectable heat generates let the solution to cool prior to keeping to add acid.

PPE Requirements for Electrolyte Handling

• Safety Glasses/goggles
• Rubber Gloves
• Face Shield
• Chemical suit
• Safety shoes

Battery Life

500 to 800 charge-discharge cycles = 3 years of battery life on average

When the battery is starting to die the battery power starts to decrease

A charged battery will start to lose its energy if not used

The battery power depends on how the equipment is made

What are the precautions during cleaning the battery?

• Use wet cloth (dry cloth [especially chemical fiber] produce static energy and cause dangerous)
• Do not use the organic solvent such as gasoline, also do not use containing these substances cloth wipe the battery.

Battery maintenance (LEAD ACID BATTERIES)

The following checks should be carried out daily:

Battery charging voltage should be checked.

The insulation level by earth lamps or megger meter at the Battery Charger unit.

All batteries should be renewed every 2 to 3 years or earlier if required.

At 48.9°C batteries floating charge should be ceased and battery charged only as required to maintain full charge till the ambient reduces and it can be placed on float charge as usual.

Life Boat / Rescue Boat batteries and chargers are liable to damage in extremely hot ambient conditions.

Lead-acid battery maintenance procedure

Carry out the following maintenance procedure for the ship’s Emergency Battery/ GMDSS Battery to ensure, good working conditions.

1.Weekly check

• Examine the outside appearance of the battery. Check for bulging and deformation.
• Check the container for cracks. This can lead to external short-circuiting /earthing.
• Check the top of the battery, the posts & connections should be clean, free of dirt, fluids, corrosion and apply petroleum jelly on the terminals to prevent corrosion. Ensure vents are clear.
• Check the specific gravity, voltage, negative terminal temperature for each individual cell, and ambient temperature around the batteries and record. The temperature correction for voltage and specific gravity to be applied and recorded.
• The temperature will affect specific gravity readings. Check the specific gravity of all the individual cells in the battery on a floating charge. Ensure the temperature correcting factor is applied for specific gravity readings to 26.7°C. Add 0.004 to readings for every 5.5°C above 26.7°C and subtract 0.004 for every 5.5°C below 26.7°C.
• The temperature will affect voltage readings. For every 5.5°C below 26.7°C add 0.028V per cell and subtract 0.028V per cell for every 5.5°C above 26.7°C.
• Make sure the Charger voltage and current on the charging panel as per maker instruction.
• Check the batteries are secured properly on wood / suitable storage facilities and well ventilated.
• Check the electrolyte level of all batteries. Do not top-up distilled water to the maximum if the battery is not fully charged. Final topping up to be carried out when in a fully charged condition.
• Batteries with transparent body casing should be closely examined with a safety flashlight for sulfated plates and large deposits at the bottom of the battery which is a strong sign of deterioration and could short circuit the cell.
• Strong rotten egg smell of H2S is an indication of the battery gassing up due to overcharging.

VRLA (Valve Regulated Lead Acid Battery) Maintenance-free batteries specific additional instructions:

• Any sign of fluid or stains on the top of the cell if not due to external reason indicates that the safety relief valve may be leaking or has lifted.
• This indicates a loss of hydrogen and the cell needs to be monitored and replaced as the electrolyte level cannot be checked due batteries are sealed and AGM type (or GEL).
• The provision of a green indicator that is common for the deep-cycle starter batteries will only provide the specific gravity in range for one cell and not the other cells.
• There is no provision to check the specific gravity as the battery is sealed.

2.Monthly check

• Carry out the weekly check as listed and analyze the condition of the battery over the month. Check if any individual cells are deteriorating (voltage drop, specific gravity drop, and rise in temperature at the negative terminal.)
• After all the cells are confirmed to be fully charged and on float charge for at least 6 hours carry out “ equalizing charge “for twenty minutes and switch back to the floating charge.
• Voltage, the temperature at the negative terminal, and specific gravity to be checked within limits. This helps to keep the plates at full charge, ensures the electrolyte is uniform and free of stratification.

3.Three monthly check

• Switch off the charger and discharge the battery to 50% for minimum of 6 hours information to record:
• Overall float voltage and current of the string before the start of discharge (with the charger on)
• The float voltage of each cell before the start of discharge (with the charger on)
• Record the temperature of the electrolyte of 10% or more cells to establish an average temperature.
• Record the temperature at the negative terminal of each cell and ambient temperature.
• At regular intervals (every hour) check Total DC voltages, Amperage and individual cell voltage.
• As the test nears its end monitors the voltage for each cell at closer intervals and stop the discharge if any cell approaches the minimum voltage as specified by the maker.
• A lead-acid 2V cell end of discharge minimum voltage is 1.75V. The battery must never be over-discharged to exceed 80% of the Ampere-hour (Ah) capacity.
• On completion of the discharge, the battery must be placed on the charging cycle. Once the battery is fully charged the monthly check to be carried out.
• Do not leave the batteries in a state of discharge for a long period. This will cause hard sulfate formation on the plates with a reduction of battery capacity, high amperage being absorbed on the active part of the plates, gassing up, and possible thermal runaway.
• Important: If replacing lead acid with alkaline batteries follow the maker’s instructions.

4.Annual check

• Batteries must never be drained 100%. The maximum safe discharge is 80%, exceeding this may damage the battery and the battery charger.
• During discharge test individual cell voltage should not be allowed to fall below the minimum voltage rating.
• The load test to be carried out as per the 3 monthly check and to be stopped when the cell minimum voltage is reached (1.75V for a 2V cell) at approx. 80% discharge and results to be estimated.
• If any individual cell reaches the minimum voltage pre-maturely, it will need to be replaced before continuing the test on the remaining healthy cells in the battery bank.

To calculate the % capacity of your system:

Estimated capacity at 25°C

C % = Ta x 100

Ts x Kt

Ta = The actual time in minutes of the test to the specified end voltage

Kt = The time correction factor in below table

Ts = the rated time in minutes of the test to the specified end voltage

Temperature degree Celsius	Kt value
20.5	0.968
21.1	0.955
21.6	0.960
22.7	0.975
23.8	0.985
25.0	1.0
26.1	1.007
26.6	1.011
27.2	1.017
28.3	1.030
29.4	1.040
30.5	1.050
31.6	1.06
32.2	1.065

Example: A 2 V - 220 Ah Battery is rated to deliver 38Amps for 5 hours (300mins) to 1.75V DC at 25°C. The system was at 23.8°C was discharged at 38Amps and the system end voltage was reached at 4 hours and 25 minutes (265mins).

C% = 265mins x 100 = System has 89.67% capacity.

300mins x 0.985 = 295.5 minutes

When ordering deep cycle batteries, please ensure that the rated time in minutes to the specified end voltage is requested from the supplier.

For example, this may be stated as “100Ah battery providing 12.5Amps for 8 hours to 1.75V per cell.”

Safe operation and maintenance of VRLA lead-acid batteries

• Thermal runaway: This is the primary cause of major battery failure and damage. During float charging of a VRLA battery, 90% of the current supplied is used to facilitate the oxygen recombination cycle.
• Batteries generate a fair amount of internal heat. This increases the battery's ability to absorb charging current without a rise in voltage which effectively disables any voltage regulator on the charging device, resulting in gross overcharging.
• Thermal runaway soaks up all the charging current converting this into hydrogen-oxygen and heat.
• Stains on the battery top indicate lifting of the relief valve with loss of hydrogen and oxygen. The loss will lead to exposure of the plate tops with a possible short circuit thus providing an ignition source and also loss of capacity. This is an indication of overpressure, gassing up, and potential thermal runaway.
• A rise in temperature at the negative terminal 10°C above ambient will indicate a potential runaway / gassing up of the battery.
• Cracks on battery containers lead to leakage with grounding and possible short circuits.
• Battery Charger to be in good order and suitable for the charging of the VRLA lead-acid battery in all modes boost/float / equalizing. The voltage should always be within the parameters for the ambient temperature conditions.
• Stratification with sulfated plates reduces the active area thus leading to thermal runaway.
• Approx. voltage table for cyclic use charging. The higher voltages (above the gassing voltage) should only be used on flooded batteries that can have the water replaced after direct venting to the atmosphere.

Maintenance of engine starter batteries and the starter circuit

• Engine Starter Batteries use the top 20% of the battery or less and then is to be re-charged. Their design can provide a lot of power for a short period unlike the deep cycle emergency battery bank which can provide power for a long period and discharge to 80% of the battery.
• Starter Batteries are used for Emergency Generator engines, Rescue Boat engines, and Life Boat engines.
• The battery temperature is critical and batteries exposed to the outside heat (Life Boats) may have their electrolyte temperature soar to above 48.9°C in which case the Battery Charger should be switched off and charge to be maintained by manual use till such time that the ambient condition improves to an acceptable level. This will prevent thermal runaway and damage to the batteries and chargers.

1.Weekly check

• Weekly check to included the starting of the engine by each battery individually along with the checks as per 13.4.2.1.
• Monitor the area of operation and if the high ambient temperature is expected action to be taken to prevent overcharging and exceeding the electrolyte temperature limit of 48.9°C.

2.Monthly check

• Monthly check to include the starting of the engine by each battery individually along with the checks as per 13.4.2.2.
• Each individual Starter Battery to be tested by starting the engine thrice. The end voltage to be checked on the conclusion and should not be below the recommended minimum voltage. Cranking of the engine should be healthy without a sluggish response.
• 3 monthly check to be carried out as per 13.4.2.2 as applicable.
• The Starter Batteries should be tested and the voltage dip measured across the terminal during the cranking process. The result to be recorded. A large dip may indicate a dying battery or bad connections.
• The charging amperage/voltage from the alternator to be recorded

3.Annual check

• Annual test to include a proper check of the Starting Circuit and the Starter.
• Spare Starter Motor to be checked in good order.
• The voltage drop test is the only effective way to detect excessive resistance in high amperage circuits.
• Voltage drop check for the Starter Circuit:
• Disable the engine so it cannot be started when cranked. Limit cranking time to 10 sec.
• While cranking the engine, check the voltage across the battery terminal studs.
• While cranking the engine, check the voltage across the positive terminal of the battery and the starter housing.
• Compare the readings. If both are the same then there is no excessive voltage drop on the positive feed side. If the available voltage on the starter side is not within 1.5V of the battery voltage then the voltage drop is excessive.
• Make sure the battery is fully charged. Measure the voltage across the positive terminal of the battery and the negative battery stud on the starter (use the 2V scale) while cranking the engine the maximum voltage drop should be 0.8V or less for the positive side of the Starter Circuit.
• While cranking the engine measure the voltage across the starter case and the battery post. A good connection will give a voltage drop of 0.4V or less for the negative side.
• The Starter Motor to be removed and moving contacts / fixed contacts to be cleaned all parts to be checked for corrosion. The Solenoid to be cleaned and checked for corrosion.
• The Alternator Belt to be checked for tightness and good condition. The charging function to be checked.
• Hazardous nature of batteries require disposal to conform to MARPOL garbage requirements.

What are the requirements as per SOLAS for the GMDSS battery?

The requirement of GMDSS batteries is governed by Part-C, Regulation 13, and Chapter 4 of SOLAS.

• 6.1 The batteries should be recharged to the required minimum capacity in less than 10 hours
• 6.2 the capacity of the batteries should be checked, using an appropriate method at intervals not exceeding 12 months, when the ship is not at sea.

Battery and battery room regulations as per SOLAS

The requirement of batteries is governed by Part-D, Regulation 43, and Chapter 2-1 of SOLAS.

• It should be automatically connecting to ESB (Emergency Switch Board) when the main power source fails.
• Immediately supply power to minimum services specified for emergency sources.
• The battery should not discharge more than 12% of the nominal voltage.
• The battery room is designed in such a way that it will prevent spillage of electrolyte & emission spray.
• The battery room should be painted with an acid-resistant paint.
• Battery room floor should be Anti-acidic floor
• Should be an independent exhaust fan provided. Inlet-duct should be below battery level, and outlet should be fitted at top of the compartment
• Battery room lighting should be installed with Exd proof
• Make sure the proper illumination in the room
• Should be posted No smoking, No naked lights, and playing cards.

Ship battery room PPE requirements

Kept the separate PPE for battery room operations

• Eye protection (goggles)
• Corrosive resistant gloves
• HV insulated gloves
• Corrosive resistant apron
• Eyewash

Why is the negative terminal of a battery disconnected first and connected last?

The system is having negative terminal grounded always.

So even if you accidentally touch negative terminal to the hull or metal part of the structure, nothing will happen. But if positive touches the negative or ground there are a spark and the system may get damaged.

Why positive terminal of the battery is not grounded?

For easier to analyze positive signals.

Why we use petroleum jelly, not grease for terminal corrosion protection in battery?

When the terminal will get heated grease may melt and comes out and exposed the terminal again for oxidation. And grease contains oil so chances of fire hazard in case of sparks.

What is the difference between nickel-cadmium and lead-acid batteries?

The main difference is specific gravity does not change in nickel-cadmium battery at charging and discharging condition

PROPERTIES	NICKEL CADMIUM BATTERY	LEAD ACID BATTERY
Positive	Nickel hydroxide + graphite	Lead peroxide
Negative	Cadmium + iron	Spongy lead
Electrolyte	Potassium hydroxide solution	Sulphuric Acid (H2SO4)
Specific gravity	1.21 and does not change www.electrotechnicalofficer.com	Fully charged: 1.265 @80° F Fully discharged: 1.1
Cell voltage	Nominal voltage is 2V	Nominal voltage is 1.2V
Efficiency	Moderate	Higher
Cost	High Cost	Low Cost

How we can order battery on-board?

We have to mention the following things when ordering the battery

• Type of battery
• Battery capacity
• Maintenance-free battery or normal
• Type of terminal
• Terminal position
• Voltage rating
• Dimensions
• CCA and MCA

What is transitional batteries and their duration?

Transition batteries supply power to emergency lights, fire control, internal communication, etc. before the emergency gen comes on load just after the blackout and is supposed to give power for at least 30 mints

Battery capacity test how to do?

With the approved load tester.

The load tester will have FLC marked on it. And we are aware of capacity so we will calculate the discharging time. Before connecting load tester we will check the terminal voltage and afterload testing also we will check the terminal voltage it should not have a drop of more than 12% of rated voltage

What is the Battery renewal duration for GMDSS?

It depends on the maker's instructions, usually, it is 3/5/7 year’s cycle.

30 months for maintenance-free batteries.

Why do not keeping alkaline battery and lead-acid battery in the same compartment?

The alkaline battery cells will be become contaminated by acid vapor (fumes) causing permanent damage.

Note: Do not use the same tools for different types of battery. Because slightest traces of acid can cause serious damage to alkaline cells.

What is the charging current for 200 Ah battery?

T = Ah / A

Where,

T = charging time

Ah = Battery capacity

A = Charging current

20 A

As SOLAS regulation says batteries should be chargeable in 10hrs

Most commonly used batteries on the ship

FLOODED BATTERY	The electrolyte is free to move in the cell compartment We can access the individual cells Have to add distilled water to prevent Sulphation Regular maintenance required Uses: Start, and deep cycle
SEALED BATTERY	Slight modification to the flooded type Can’t access the individual cells No need to add electrolyte Maintenance-free www.electrotechnicalofficer.com Uses: Start, and deep cycle
VRLA BATTERY	Valve regulated Lead-Acid battery Available as a sealed battery VR mechanism uses for a safe escape of hydrogen and oxygen gases during charging Uses: Start, and deep cycle
AGM BATTERY	Absorbent Glass Mat battery The electrolyte (sulphuric acid) absorbed by a very fine fiberglass mat. Very low internal resistance Spill-proof battery Able to deliver high current on demands Maintenance-free battery Low self-discharge Fast charging- five times more than a flooded battery High cost Uses: high performance during Start, and deep cycle

How to do the battery load test

• Before switching off the main and emergency supply note the voltage at the battery terminal.
• Switch off the main as well as an emergency source of power to the equipment, and also to the battery charger circuit.
• Calculate the deliver current by the means of the voltage and power to be delivered, and divide it by the total AH that battery will deliver. So that you will get the discharge time.
• Keep it monitoring for that period of time, and also note the value of the voltage and ampere periodically.
• If the battery voltage is discharging below 12% of the rated value then you need to change it.

What is the difference between GMDSS and GENERAL battery?

GMDSS battery should give 1-hour power if emergency charging the source is available otherwise gives 6 hours power

General battery should give 30 min backup

What is the method of lifeboat battery charging?

It's on trickle charge, battery charges at a rate of self-discharging rate

Why lifeboat battery charging voltage is specifically 42VAC not 220VAC?

• Below 50 v is very low voltage, so that voltage doesn't affect the human body
• So for safety reason it 42 vac
• In case of an emergency, we can remove the charging plug without switching off the supply
• If you use 220VAC we need to accommodate then separate battery charger for batteries inside the boat which is not feasible.
• It will be then declared as the unsafe area on LPG, oil tankers if the voltage is high which can be hazardous in terms of spark and fire.
• Safe working voltage as said earlier can be removed or unplugged without switching off the breaker too.

Can we did the battery Megger test?

No, we are never supposed to do meggering on live batteries that too connected on load, more specifically never megger on terminals of the battery.

Alkaline battery (Primary) size code