Lead-acid batteries have a reputation for failing in open-circuit mode. This problem presents itself most often in DC and AC UPS systems that have inadequate battery management, and is the main reason why some customers still pay seven-to-ten times more for equivalent capacity Nickel Cadmium cells. 

Magellan Power offers an Australian made Battery Cell Monitoring (BCM) system that almost entirely resolves this problem. Irrespective of any battery optimisation techniques being employed, a lead acid battery will fail eventually. However VRLA batteries rarely fail without undergoing significant internal ohmic changes that can be detected and used to trigger an early warning system. The internal impedance of lead acid batteries rises as they age and, correspondingly, their available storage capacity reduces until finally the battery will not support the load for any duration.

Magellan’s BMS uses non-intrusive measuring techniques that are so gentle on the battery that many battery monitoring and testing functions can be performed automatically every day. Such frequent testing of each individual cell or block means that the BMS user becomes aware of a problem on the day that it occurs and is not left exposed to a sudden battery failure as they are with bi-annual or even quarterly scheduled battery testing.

The Battery Monitoring System consists of a control unit and a series of cell monitors. The Master control unit can operate as a stand-alone unit or be incorporated into a Magellan MCR-II series, microprocessor-controlled charger. Magellan systems monitor 24V, 48V, 110V, 120V, 198/204V and 400V battery banks. With sensors to suit individual 2, 6 or 12V blocks.