Maintenance and care of aerial work platform batteries

2020-06-05 00:00


With growing environmental awareness and increasingly stringent emission regulations, energy-efficient and environmentally friendly pure electric aerial work platforms have gradually gained recognition and favor in both domestic and international markets. Batteries are the power source and key electrical components of electric aerial work platforms, affecting equipment performance and operational safety. Therefore, proper daily maintenance of batteries is crucial. The traction batteries used in electric aerial work platforms are generally ordinary lead-acid batteries, whose main advantages are stable voltage and high cost-effectiveness. By paying attention to the following aspects during daily use and maintenance, the service life of the battery can be effectively extended.

 

 

Regular inspections are essential

The top of the battery and the terminal connections should be kept dry, clean, free of dust, and free of corrosion to prevent leakage or short circuits. If the battery surface is dirty, use a damp cloth or brush to clean the top, terminals, and connections of the battery with a mixture of baking soda and water, and wipe dry with a cloth. Avoid getting the cleaning solution inside the battery.

Check the battery cables, terminals, and wires for damage. Check the battery terminal connections and wire connections for oxidation and corrosion. Clean or replace them immediately if found. Also, check the battery cover for deformation or overheating. Address any issues promptly.

 

 

It is recommended to check the battery fluid level weekly. If the electrolyte level is too low, it will damage the battery plates and separators, shortening the battery life. The electrolyte level can be observed as follows: Open the filler cap and check the fluid level. If it is below the bottom platform inside the filler cap, the level is too low and should be replenished immediately. If the level is parallel to or slightly above the top platform inside the filler cap, it is at the appropriate level.

Regularly add fluid to the battery

Generally, if the electrolyte level is more than 10mm above the plates, no fluid needs to be added. If the electrolyte level has not yet covered the plates, add distilled water or deionized water. If too much distilled water is added, causing the electrolyte to overflow, the battery case and cables will be corroded, affecting the battery life.

The frequency of fluid addition depends on the battery's use and operating temperature. Usually, the older the battery, the more frequent the fluid addition. Before adding fluid, remove the vent cap and fully charge the battery. If the battery plates are exposed, add water to just submerge the plates before charging, then charge and add distilled water. After adding fluid, reinstall the vent cap on the battery.

Strictly follow the specifications for charging the battery

The battery should be fully charged after each use. Do not discharge more than 80% of its capacity within 5 hours. Charge when the power is between 35% and 80% of the rated capacity. Lead-acid batteries do not have a memory effect, so they do not need to be fully discharged before recharging. New batteries should be recharged after 3-4 hours of use. The battery will release gas (bubble) at the end of charging, so it should be charged in a well-ventilated area away from open flames. Also, be sure not to charge a non-rechargeable battery.

Importance of battery storage

Before storing the battery, fully charge it. Store the battery in a cool, dry place protected from the weather. Disconnect it from the equipment before storage to eliminate the potential danger of battery leakage. The battery will gradually self-discharge during storage. Monitor the specific gravity of the electrolyte or battery voltage every 4-6 weeks. If the battery capacity is below 70%, perform a supplementary charge. Stored batteries should be recharged before installation.

Safety precautions for maintenance

When inspecting and maintaining the battery, wear protective work clothing, gloves, and goggles. Do not place any maintenance tools or other metal objects on the battery surface. The battery temperature during use should not exceed 60℃. Keep the battery away from sparks, flames, and metal objects. If electrolyte splashes on the skin or eyes, rinse thoroughly with plenty of water and seek professional medical attention if necessary. If electrolyte splashes on clothing, remove the clothing, rinse with water, and then rinse with a weakly alkaline soap solution. If electrolyte leaks externally, neutralize it with lime, strong sodium carbonate, or sodium carbonate, and rinse thoroughly with plenty of water.


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