APPLICATION GUIDE

RESERVE
POWER

EnerSys has optimised the very successful Thin Plate Pure Lead
(TPPL) PowerSafe SBS battery range to create the revolutionary EON
Technology, a new concept that utilises highest purity materials
and state of the art manufacturing processes to deliver energy
storage solutions that can meet the requirements of emerging
applications whilst offering the end user enhanced performance in
existing applications. Historically, the useful service life of reserve
power VRLA battery systems was measured by their float life but as
applications evolve from pure standby to cyclic applications, some
traditional VRLA technologies find that these new requirements push
them beyond their scope of operation.

Commissioning Charge

PowerSafe SBS Eon Technology batteries retain the long float

characteristics of standard PowerSafe SBS cells and monoblocs, with
the added benefit of improved cyclic ability in both float voltage and
fast charge applications.

Float Operation

Interchangeability

The recommended float voltage setting is 2.29Vpc at +20C/+77F.

Therefore the system voltage setting equals the number of cells in
series x 2.29Vpc.

Operating Temperature Range

The recommended operating temperature range for optimum life and
performance is 20C. However, PowerSafe SBS EON Technology
batteries can be operated in the temperature range -40C to +50C.
In order to maintain mechanical integrity of the plastic components,
the battery temperature in operation should not exceed +50C.

Freshening Charge
Charge the monoblocs or strings at a constant voltage equivalent
to 2.29 to 2.4Vpc with 0.1C10 Amps current for a period of 24 hours.

EON Technology is designed for continuous float operation on

constant voltage chargers. Constant voltage charging is the safest,
most efficient and recommended method of charging VRLA batteries.

Battery life and charging characteristics are affected by temperature.

Optimum battery life will be achieved when the battery is operating
between +20C/+68F and +25C/+77F (see figure 2).
Float Life
(Float @ 55C using recommended FV for 20C)

Nominal Capacity (%)

PowerSafe SBS EON Technology monoblocs are fully interchangeable

with standard PowerSafe SBS battery equivalents (where applicable).
When used in conventional float applications the fit, form and
function remain unchanged and their mixing will have no detrimental
effect to either the performance or expected service life. However,
where a PowerSafe SBS EON Technology monobloc is introduced as
a replacement into an equivalent standard PowerSafe SBS battery it
must be understood that the improved cyclic capability afforded by
EON Technology will not be achieved.

Before conducting a capacity discharge or fully loaded duty cycle test,

the battery must be given a commissioning charge. The
commissioning charge shall consist of 7 continuous days of float
charge at the recommended float voltage (2.29Vpc at 20C) with no
load connected to the battery.

Storage

2.17

100

2.16

96

2.15

91

2.14

87

2.13

83

2.12

79
+40C

+30C

+25C

+20C

74

+10C

2.10

70
0

Figure 1

12

18

24
30
Months

36

42

48

Approx. State of Charge (%)

Open Circuit Voltage per Cell

Figure 1 shows the relationship between open-circuit voltage (OCV)

and storage time at various temperatures.

The maximum storage times before a freshening charge is required

and recommended open circuit voltage audit intervals are:
Temperature
(C / F)

Storage Time
(Months)

OCV Audit Interval

(Months)

+10 / +50
+15 / +59
+20 / +68
+25 / +77
+30 / +86
+35 / +95
+40 / +104

48
34
24
17
12
8.5
6

6
6
4
4
3
2
2

Monoblocs must be given a freshening charge when bloc voltages

approach the equivalent of 2.10 Volts per cell or when the maximum
storage time is reached, whichever occurs first.
2

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

Calculated Life (years @ 20C)

Figure 2

Battery life is reduced by 50% for every 10C/18F increase in

temperature. Float voltage compensation reduces the charging
current as battery temperature increases and partially negates the
adverse effect of high temperature.
The recommended float voltage temperature compensation is:
2.29Vpc +4mV per cell per C below 20C
2.29Vpc -4mV per cell per C above 20C (refer to figure 3 for further
details)
Temperature compensation is capped at +40C/+104F as at this
temperature the compensated charge voltage approaches the natural
open circuit voltage of the battery and there is insufficient
overvoltage to keep the battery in a fully charged condition.
Float Voltage Temperature Correction

Float Volts Per Cell

Batteries lose capacity when standing on open-circuit because of

parasitic chemical reactions. The self-discharge rate of PowerSafe
SBS EON Technology monoblocs is very low because of the high
purity of the grid lead and electrolyte. Batteries should be stored in a
cool, dry area. High temperature increases the rate of self-discharge
and reduces storage life.

2.11

120
110
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0

2.35
2.34
2.33
2.32
2.31
2.30
2.29
2.28
2.27
2.26
2.25
2.24
2.23
2.22
2.21
2.20
2.19

Recommended Float Voltage

Minimum Float Voltage
Voltages > Recommended promote
overcharge & high float currents resulting
in accelerated end of service life

Voltages < Minimum recommended

result in undercharge, reduction in
capacity and irrecoverable capacity
loss leading to premature end of life

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42

Temperature (C)

Figure 3

Charging Current
Recharge time is a function of the charging voltage and current.
In float applications where time to repeat duty is not so critical to
recharge in an acceptable time it is recommended that the current
limit should be a minimum level equalling the standing load plus
0.1C10 Amps.

Fast Charging

Time to Full State of Charge

As a Function of Current Limit and Depth of Discharge
(Recharge 2.40Vpc)

In addition to the long life characteristics inherent in traditional

PowerSafe SBS TPPL battery designs, EON Technology has been
developed to provide high performance in applications where the
battery is subjected to repeated cyclic duty, where power reliability
is tested by high temperatures and harsh conditions, combined with
remote locations.

0.1C10A

16
14
0.1C10 Amps

12

Time (hrs)

Fast charge techniques are best utilised for frequent discharge cyclic
applications. The high charge acceptance of EON Technology is
suited for applications which require a faster recharge with reduced
time to repeat duty. In such applications the rectifier voltage should
be set at 2.40Vpc at 20C. Figure 4 illustrates the time to full state of
charge from varying depths of discharge (C10) as a function of charge
voltage.

18

0.2C10 Amps
10

0.3C10 Amps
0.2C10A

0.5C10 Amps

1C10 Amps

0.3C10A

6
0.5C10A

1.0C10A

2
0
0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

% Depth of Discharge (C10)

Recharge Time to 100% State of Charge following C10 Discharge

to Varying Depth of Discharge.
Compare Float Charge with EON Technology Recharge Regime
(current limit 25% C10)
110
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0

EON Technology Fast Charge

12

14

70%

80%

90%

100%

110%

EON Technology has been developed to retain the long float life
characteristics associated with standard PowerSafe SBS technology
and has the added capability to deliver high performance in harsh
applications where cyclic duty predominates.

FV Recharge

10

60%

Cycling

16

Time to 100% State of Charge (hrs)

Figure 4

50%

Depth of Discharge

Figure 6

Extensive testing has shown that in traditional float cyclic

applications PowerSafe SBS EON Technology surpasses the excellent
performance of standard PowerSafe SBS battery designs, typically
delivering a 33% increase in the number of cycles during evaluation
to international benchmark standards (figure 7).
Cycle Life vs Depth of Discharge,
Compare Float Charge (PowerSafe SBS & SBS EON Technology)

As with float charge, temperature compensation for voltage is

applicable to fast charge techniques. The profile below (figure 5)
gives the recommended compensation to charge voltage for
temperature.

Number of Cycles

10000

Fast Charge Temperature Correction

SBS EON Float Charge

SBS Float Charge

1000

2.53
2.51
100

2.49

2.47

Volts Per Cell

2.45

10

20

2.43

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

110

120

Depth of Discharge

Figure 7

2.41
2.39

Where it is not always economically viable to use higher charge

currents it has been demonstrated that increasing the charge voltage
at a given current limit, the time to full state of charge can be
radically reduced.

2.37
2.35
2.33
2.31
2.29
2.27
10

15

Figure 5

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

Temperature (C)

In cyclic applications, optimal life and performance are obtained by

limiting recharge at 2.40Vpc to the time taken to return 103% of
discharged Ah before disconnecting the battery from the rectifier or
switching to float voltage. In systems where control of charge factor
is not possible, the battery will be returned to full state of charge
(from 100% depth of discharge C10) in 6.5 hours at 2.40Vpc with
0.25C10 Amps available. Higher charge currents will reduce charge
time, lower currents will increase charge time.
Where rectifier voltage cannot be adjusted to values >2.40Vpc to
compensate for lower temperatures, the time to reach full state of
charge will be increased. For additional information and guidance on
this, please contact your EnerSys representative.
Warning! Continuous charge at 2.40Vpc will significantly reduce battery
life.

Current Limit
In addition to the influence of charge voltage, the available charge
current will impact on time to repeat duty. The low internal resistance
of PowerSafe SBS EON Technology batteries lends itself to
absorption of in rush currents as high as 6C10 Amps but is equally
capable of operating with current limits as low as 0.1C10 Amps.
Figure 6 below illustrates the typical time to full state of charge
(2.40Vpc) as a function of available charge current from varying
depths of discharge.

The electrochemical designs of PowerSafe SBS EON Technology

batteries have been developed to take advantage of this
characteristic. The low internal resistance ensures that PowerSafe
SBS EON Technology batteries can operate with charge current limits
ranging from 0.1C10 Amps to 6C10 Amps affording a high degree of
operating flexibility encompassing a wide range of operating
scenarios. It should be remembered that lower current limits increase
time to full state of charge, regardless of charge voltage (shown in
figure 8 below).
Effect of Charge Voltage on Recharge Time to 100% of Discharge Ah.
2.29Vpc vs 2.4Vpc following 100% DOD at various rates.
Current limit 0.4C10 Amps
Time to 100% of DCH Ah Returned

2.25

9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
2.27Vpc

2.4Vpc

Figure 8

C1

C3

C10

Discharge Rate

The high charge acceptance of PowerSafe SBS EON Technology

batteries that enables the use of fast charge techniques provides the
user with the advantage of reduced time to repeat duty and further
extends the number of cycles available during service life to
unparalleled levels (figure 9).

Connectors

PowerSafe SBS EON Technology

Cycle Life as a Function of Depth of Discharge (C10 Rate)
(Charge Using Optimum EON Technology Recommendations)

PowerSafe SBS
Battery Type

Connector Part No.

SBS B14, C11

2205-8919

SBS B14F, C11F

2205-8891

SBS 100

2205-8750

SBS 100F

2205-8749

SBS 170F & 190F

2205-8769

Figure 9

SBS 410

2205-9887 (A)

Maintenance

SBS 410

2205-8865 (B)

In practice the user usually specifies the maintenance schedule based

on site criticality, location and manpower.
The following is a suggested maintenance schedule.

SBS B14, C11, 100

SBS B14F, C11F, 100F,

170F, 190F

Monthly (record all readings)

Measure the battery string voltage. If necessary, adjust the float
voltage to the correct value.
Every six months (record all readings)
Measure the battery string voltage. If necessary, adjust the float
voltage to the correct value.
Measure individual bloc voltages. The blocs should be within 5% of
the average.

SBS 410

Inspect for contamination by dust, loose or corroded connections.

If necessary isolate the string/bloc and clean with a damp soft cloth.
Do not use solvents or scouring powders to clean the blocs.
Contact EnerSys if you have any questions regarding maintenance.

Disposal
A

General Specifications
Nominal Capacity (Ah)
PowerSafe SBS
Battery
Type

10 hr rate
Nominal to 1.80Vpc
Voltage (V)
@ 20C

Nominal Dimensions

8 hr rate
to 1.75Vpc
@ 77F

mm

in

mm

in

mm

in

kg

lbs

97

3.8

264

10.4

19.1

42.0

1800

7.0

M8 F

Length

Width

Typical
Weight

Height

Internal
Short Circuit Resistance
Current (A)
(m)

Terminals

SBS B14

12

62

62

280

11.0

SBS B14F

12

62

62

303

11.9

97

3.8

264

10.4

19.1

42.0

1800

7.0

M6 M

SBS C11

12

92

91

395

15.6

105

4.1

264

10.4

28.0

61.6

2300

5.5

M8 F

SBS C11F

12

92

91

417

16.4

105

4.1

256

10.1

28.0

61.6

2300

5.5

M6 M

SBS 100

12

100

100

395

15.6

108

4.3

287

11.3

32.6

71.9

2210

5.6

M8 F

SBS 100F

12

100

100

395

15.6

108

4.3

287

11.3

32.6

71.9

2210

5.6

M6 M

SBS 170F

12

170

170

561

22.1

125

4.9

283

11.1

52.5

115.7

3400

4.0

M6 M

SBS 190F

12

190

190

561

22.1

125

4.9

316

12.4

60.0

132.3

3800

3.3

M6 M

SBS 410

410

410

200

7.9

208

8.2

239

9.4

23.2

51.1

4725

1.3

M8 M

Contact:

www.enersys-emea.com

EnerSys
P.O. Box 14145
Reading, PA 19612-4145
USA
Tel: +1-610-208-1991
+1-800-538-3627
Fax: +1-610-372-8613

EnerSys Europe
Zurich, Switzerland

EnerSys Asia
Guangdong, China
Tel: +86-755-2689 3639

EnerSys Ltd.
Rake Lane,
Clifton Junction,
Swinton, Manchester
M27 8LR, UK
Tel: +44 (0)161 794 4611
Fax: +44 (0)161 727 3809

2009 EnerSys. All rights reserved.

Trademarks and logos are the property of
EnerSys and its affiliates unless otherwise noted.

Publication No: EN-SBS-EON-AG-003 - September 2009 - Subject to revisions without prior notice. E.&O.E.

PowerSafe SBS EON Technology batteries are recyclable. Scrap

batteries must be packaged and transported in accordance with
prevailing transportation rules and regulations. Scrap batteries must
be disposed of in compliance with local and national laws by a
licensed or certified lead acid battery recycler.