Industrial generators play a key role in maintaining the operations of a wide variety of worksites, factories and remote camps for various sectors across western Canada. From keeping key machinery online to helping prepare food for dozens of onsite workers and everything in between, generators are integral when it comes to providing a consistent and reliable power supply when it matters most.
Although today’s market is full of dependable solutions, even the toughest units need a little TLC to stay in optimal shape. Your generator’s battery is particularly vital for optimal running conditions, and sadly, it’s also one of the components that tend to be overlooked the most. Without proper maintenance, a weak or dead battery can lead to operational disruptions, downtime, and costly repairs, often at the worst possible timing points.
At TRIC Power, we know that taking the right steps to care for your industrial generator batteries is essential to keeping your systems running smoothly. As a leading supplier and servicer of auto-electric and industrial generator parts and units, we’re here to help you run at peak performance all year round.
Below, we’ll cover some of the best ways to keep your generator battery in top condition. Read on to learn more!
Conduct Regular Inspections
As the old saying goes, “You can’t fix what you don’t know.” Routinely conducting visual inspections of your entire generator unit, as well as focusing on the battery, is one of the best ways to catch problems before they have a chance to progress and lead to more significant issues down the line. Look for any visible signs of corrosion, wear, or damage to the battery terminals and cable, and act immediately should you find any problems. Corrosion is a particular point of concern (and, unfortunately, a common occurrence) as it can affect the battery’s ability to charge and discharge efficiently.
Inspections also help you spot loose or frayed cables that could impact electrical connections. Tighten any loose connections and replace damaged cables immediately to prevent power failures.
Check Battery Charge Levels
It may sound overly simplistic, but you’d be surprised how many people forget to prioritize consistently checking battery levels and find out their unit was near the end of its charge (or life cycle) at the most inconvenient times.
Modern generator systems often include built-in monitoring systems that alert you to a low battery charge; however, it’s always a best practice to manually check the battery voltage regardless. Using a multimeter can help you manually check the battery voltage on units that don’t have a built-in monitoring system. You ideally want to keep the charge above 50% to reduce the chance of damage caused by deep discharges.
Ensure Proper Ventilation and Temperature Control
Batteries are sensitive to extreme temperatures, which often lead to performance issues due to overheating or the inability to sufficiently deliver power in extreme cold. It’s important to make sure your unit has adequate ventilation to help it stay cool and lower the risk of excessive wear and tear during high temperatures. Conversely, those operating outdoors during the winter or in cooler sites should invest in thermal regulation solutions such as battery warmers or cooling fans.
Most batteries function best in operating temperatures between 10°C and 30°C (50°F and 86°F); maintaining the right temperature can increase the battery’s efficiency and lifespan.
Test Battery Performance Regularly
To ensure that your battery is able to support your industrial generator, it’s important to regularly assess its performance capacity and conduct load testing. Load testing goes beyond simply checking the charge levels and checks the battery’s ability to maintain voltage while under load, simulating real-world conditions, whereas capacity testing measures the total amount of charge the battery can hold, indicating the overall health and usability of the battery over time. Both are vital for understanding the health and longevity of your unit and act as a solid indicator of whether or not a replacement may be in order.
Prevent Overcharging and Undercharging
Overcharging and undercharging are two common issues that can damage industrial generator batteries and lead to costly repairs.
Overcharging occurs when the battery is left connected to the charger for too long, which leads to excess heat and a reduction in the unit’s overall capacity. Undercharging occurs when the battery doesn’t get enough charge, which can lead to the buildup of sulfate crystals, which reduces the battery’s efficiency over time.
Invest in a high-quality battery charger with automatic shut-off features to prevent either occurrence, and regularly calibrate your charging system to ensure the proper charge is delivered to the battery.
Replace Old Batteries
Upgrading your battery can be an annoyance, and it’s not surprising that people tend to leave things to the last minute. Doing so, however, puts you at risk for sudden and costly generator failures. Most batteries, even with the best maintenance and upkeep standards in place, have a finite lifespan of 3-5 years. Track the installation date of your battery and monitor performance to determine the right time for replacement. Remember: being proactive saves time and money down the road!
Generator Care and More with TRIC Power
At TRIC Power, we specialize in industrial generator repair and maintenance, helping businesses across northern Alberta, BC, and Saskatchewan keep their systems in top shape. Contact us today for expert advice and service on keeping your industrial generator batteries running smoothly!