Operator`s manual

38
Installation, Operation and Maintainance of Buoy Operated Automatic Meteorological Stations
Power Supply
Overcharging a sealed (captive) electrolyte battery will cause loss of electrolyte and will strongly reduce battery life.
Moreover, overcharging may lead to the formation of dangerous levels of highly explosive hydrogen gas. Likewise,
fast charging greatly reduces the life of the battery by quickly lowering the level of electrolyte in the cells, herewith
damaging the plates. The user is therefore advised to only recharge the battery using the provided CH12R charger.
This unit includes a regulator, which monitors the voltage and battery state, and stops charging when the battery is
full. It also contains a control device that limits the recharge current to the recommended low levels.
Box 8: Only Use Campbell Scientific CH12R Charging Unit
Never use a fast recharger as this may destroy the battery or can even be hazardous. Only use the Campbell
Scientific CH12R charging unit.
The CH12R charging unit is powered by an 18V Alternating Currency source, supplied by International Power
Sources, which operates on an input range of 100–240V. This 100-240V to 18V AC wall-charger can therefore be
plugged-in directly in the mains anywhere in Africa without requiring an additional transformer. To operate the
CH12R charging unit, follow the below instructions:
Switch off mains power in the designated socket;•
Plug the 100V-240V to 18V wall-charger into the socket; if necessary use an appropriate plug adapter;•
Insert the two leads (black and white) from the wall-charger into the two terminals labeled CHG on the CH12R •
charging unit, polarity does not matter;
Connect the battery to the CH12R charging unit by plugging the battery connector in the terminal labeled •
INT;
Switch on the mains power; a red light (LED) indicates that the charging unit is powered;•
Necessary charging time depends on SoC of the battery; for full charge it is 40 hr; •
After charging, remove the battery from the CH12R charging unit, wait 20 minutes for the battery to stabilize •
and measure battery voltage;
If the corresponding SoC is below 100%, continue charging process;•
If the corresponding SoC is 100%, store the battery in a wooden box in a cool, dry place.•
A low State of Charge for a prolonged period (several months) may result in permanent loss of some of the battery
capacity. Therefore, upon return to the office, immediately recharge a battery that has just been used in the field. Do
not wait until the battery has to be used again to recharge it.
Lead acid gel batteries have a low self-discharge, which typically amounts to less than 5% per six months.
However, it is still recommended to regularly check the SoC while the battery is in storage, and recharge it if its SoC
falls below 80%. This will increase the life span of the battery.
Before use in the field, fully recharge the battery using the CH12R charging unit.
4.2.5 Battery in Storage
While in storage, treat the batteries as follows:
Store the full battery in a cool, dry place on a shelf in a wooden box; •
Check the SoC every month using the volt meter;•
If SoC is below 80%, recharge the battery using the CH12R charging unit.•
4.2.6 Maintenance
Lead acid gel batteries require little maintenance. The most important issue is to regularly measure the SoC to avoid
deep discharge, as indicated in the previous paragraph. Other maintenance includes:
Regularly clean the top of the battery to avoid high levels of self discharge due to acid mist accumulated on •
top of the battery;
Regularly clean the terminals and contacts to ensure good electrical connection with the appliance;•