WG_1189 - VRLA Selection Working Group

Jason Wallis

This document specifies the key criteria used in the process of selecting a battery for a stationary standby application. Standby applications are those in which the battery spends the majority of its time at a high state of charge and only discharges in case of a failure of the primary power source. Various battery systems are discussed so that the user can make informed decisions on selection of batteries used in standby applications. For each category, the technology and the design of the battery are described in order to facilitate user selection. The specific advantages for particular applications are also listed. The most common battery technologies used in standby applications are divided into the following main categories: - Vented lead-acid (VLA) - Valve-regulated lead acid (VRLA) - Nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) - Lithium-based Limited information on other battery and non-battery energy storage technologies is provided. These technologies include, but are not limited to, the following: - Sodium-Beta - Flow - Flywheels This document covers all stationary standby applications. Example applications are discussed to illustrate the selection techniques described in this document. Those example applications are: - Uninterruptible Power Supply - Switchgear - Telecom outside plant The following subjects are beyond the scope of this guide: - Other non-battery devices such as fuel cells, electric double-layer capacitors, etc. - Energy storage (cycling) applications - Installation methods - Maintenance practices - Hazard mitigation practices - Battery and/or charger sizing - Design and protection of the dc system

Superseded by IEEE Std 1189-2007. Methods for selecting the appropriate type of valve-regulated, immobilized-electrolyte, recombinant lead-acid battery for any of a variety of potential stationary float applications are described.