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Battery Maintenance Software
Organizations servicing portable equipment need
simplified battery testing. The difficulty of testing batteries
is brought on by the proliferation of batteries, both in volume
and diversity of models. With most standalone battery test
equipment, servicing batteries with conventional methods is
complex and time consuming. This task will only get more difficult
as new battery models are added, almost weekly. New chemistries
are being introduced which have different service requirements.
Manufacturers of battery test equipment are responding
by introducing software packages that run on a PC. Many new
systems enable operating the battery analyzers through a PC.
Such products bring battery maintenance within reach of the
untrained operator.
Cadex Batteryshop™ is a system that integrates
with the Cadex 7000 Series battery analyzers.
Although the analyzers are stand-alone units that can think
on their own, the software overrides the analyzer to adjust
the settings, and stores the test results obtained from the
batteries. Figure 12-2 illustrates such a battery
maintenance system.
Figure 12-2: Components of a battery
maintenance system.
Cadex Batteryshop™ stores
the battery test results on the database. Point and click
technology programs the analyzer by selecting the battery
from a listing of over 2000 commercial batteries. The system
accommodates up to 120 analyzers for simultaneous service
of 480 batteries.
Here are examples of how a computer-assisted
battery testing system can simplify operation. To service
a battery with Cadex Batteryshop™, for example, the
user selects the battery model from the database, clicks the
mouse, and the analyzer is automatically configured to the
correct battery parameters. Programming the analyzer by scanning
the bar code identifying the battery’s model number is also
possible.
In the near future, the operator will be able
to view a picture of the battery on a PC monitor. Clicking
on the image will reveal the various models available in that
battery family. Clicking on the correct model will program
the analyzer.
For battery fleet operators, keeping track of
a large battery fleet can be difficult, especially when observing
the periodic maintenance requirements. With systems such as
Cadex Batteryshop™, the battery test results can be
stored in the database. This feature enables the operator
to retain battery records from birth to retirement. Here is
how this is done:
Each battery is marked with a permanent bar code
label containing a unique battery ID number. When servicing
the battery, the user scans the battery ID and the analyzer
is automatically configured through the PC. All battery test
results are stored and updated in the database under the assigned
battery ID number. Any reference to this battery in terms
of performance, maintenance history and even vendor information
is available with a click of a mouse.
Delivering batteries with consistent high quality
is a concern for all battery manufacturers and distributors.
With advanced battery maintenance systems, battery batches
can be tested and documented to satisfy quality control standards.
Voltage, current and temperature information can be displayed
in real-time graphics.
Cadex Batteryshop™, includes specialty
programs that may not be available on other software products.
For example, the program allows discharging a battery under
a given pulsed current to simulate digital load requirements.
Other programs include life cycling to evaluate the battery’s
longevity, self-discharge tests, quick formatting and priming.
The Internet allows updating the battery database to include
new entries, fetching battery matrix settings for quick testing,
sending battery test results to a central location, and downloading
of new firmware for the Cadex 7000 Series battery analyzers.
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