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Lead Acid vs. Alkaline Acid Batteries

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NHG

Petroleum
Dec 23, 2004
2
IN
In our oil plant, we have many Standby Diesel Generators that use 20 cells (1.2V each)of Alkaline acid batteries which are continuosly charged on float mode. Three months ago, we couldnt start one generator because of batteries failure. so until we receive the new batteries (takes 3-4 months)we used two Lead Acid batteries (each is 12V) and showed good performance since then as we weekly start the generator and run it for half an hour. the lead acid batteries (12V, 120AH Heavy duty)are much less in cost but they last around 2-3 years, while the alkaline (1.2V 80AH)acid last 9 years but they cost almost 20 times the Lead acid. So my question is: in the long run, What could be the result of using the Lead Acid batteries instead? If possible, Can you recommend any website that deals with my issue?
Regards,
 
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You have to take into consideration the purchase price,
the cost of maintenance and reliability.

It seems to me that the lead/acid battery with its 95% cost saving would be cheaper even if you added a double redundancy.

<nbucska@pcperipherals.com>
 
My experience of NiCd batteries is that they are not good in situations where vibration can be experienced (as on railway vehicles), having a much shorter life than the 15 - 20 years promised by the manufacturers. They probably would last longer when used in a stationary situation.

Used as locomotive starting batteries, PbAcid batteries have proven to be better value for money.

We currently use NiCd batteries as standby power for our electric railcar fleet. Their design was such that they should provide emergency lighting and ventilation for at least one hour. In practice, after about two years, they would last for 15 mins. After six years we replaced the electrolyte and discharge/charge cycled them, and at the eight year mark are back to lasting about 15 minutes.
 
Suggestions:
1. Please, notice that nuclear power plants use lead acid batteries as stationary batteries to power their diesel generators (about 10MW) with lifecyle about 20Years.
2. Visit
etc. for more info
3. It is a good idea to follow industry standards when it comes to batteries, since they have been here for long time, and they tend to be perfected (almost).
 
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