Nowadays, where our lives are largely dependent on electricity, reliable and efficient batteries are becoming a more and more important part of the energy and electrical infrastructure, automotive industry and even everyday life. Using portable devices, electric cars and emergency power systems would be impossible without them.

In manufacturing plants, warehouses and other workplaces, a reliable power supply e.g. for switching on the emergency lighting using the facility’s own battery power supply, is essential to ensure a continuous work flow and safety of employees. Therefore we want to be certain that our batteries work properly and are in a good condition. Our new tester Sonel BT-120 is a diagnostic device for various types of batteries which provides precise measurements of electrical energy storage systems.

The battery tester Sonel BT-120 is a tool intended for people who have dealings with car batteries, electrical energy storage or are involved with UPS systems supervision. By precisely measuring batteries and undertaking appropriate service operations, we can ensure a reliable power supply for many years. The battery tester enables measurements of AC/DC voltage and current up to 400 V and 400 A respectively which is used in several areas – from automotive, through to electrical and renewable energy industry, telecommunications and emergency power systems.

Alternating and direct current measurements

The battery tester Sonel BT-120 features the possibility to measure both alternating and direct current up to 400 A. Alternating current is applied in a lot of electrical devices such as TV sets, computers and air-conditioning units. Whereas direct current is necessary for devices such as laptops, mobile phones and photovoltaic systems. Thanks to the batteries and accumulators tester we are able to check whether an accumulator is of an appropriate capacity and charged with the required current. To keep battery cells in a good condition, it is crucial to maintain the required charging current and voltage parameters in accordance with their technical specifications.

Measurements of direct and alternating voltage

Another essential function of the batteries and accumulators tester Sonel BT-120 is the possibility of measuring both direct and alternating voltage within the range of up to 400 V. Most electronic devices require direct voltage, while some others, such as household appliances or lighting, use alternating voltage. The Sonel BT-120 tester will evaluate whether your battery voltage is stable and in line with the requirements of the device it powers. Measuring alternating voltage also allows you to determine the voltage at which the battery is charged.

Measurement of internal impedance of the battery

Internal impedance is an indicator that allows you to evaluate the current condition and performance of the battery. This value is important because it reflects three main components: resistance, reactance and battery efficiency. A battery ages over time and after several repeated charging and discharging cycles. This process may change the internal impedance as the battery materials degrade and may also cause the internal resistance to increase.

The battery may also be subject to mechanical damage caused by events such as vibrations, impacts or bumps. This can lead to damage to the battery’s internal structures and ultimately affect its impedance. Mechanical damage can lead to an increase in internal resistance and a change in the efficiency characteristics of the battery. Frequent operation of the battery under high load, either as a result of heavy discharge or intensive charging, also increases the internal resistance of the battery. This may result in an increase in the pulsed voltage and a decrease in the stability of the battery’s operation. Measuring and evaluating the internal impedance value of the battery will help you accurately assess its condition. If internal impedance indicates potential problems, we can take appropriate corrective measures or replace the battery or the cell with a new one, thus preventing possible problems and failures in the future.

Pulsed voltage measuring

Pulsed voltage is an important parameter to be monitored during battery testing as it can provide valuable information about the condition of the battery. The Sonel BT-120 battery tester provides the possibility to measure this type of voltage, which allows you to detect potential early problems with the battery. Pulsed voltage is a characteristic phenomenon that may indicate various abnormalities.
One of the major problems that pulsed voltage can indicate is damaged cells in the battery. Such damage can cause unstable battery operation and have a negative effect on its performance. Thanks to measuring pulsed voltage you can quickly detect such abnormalities and take proper corrective actions before the damage develops and affects the durability of the battery. Unstable voltage may also indicate incorrect battery charging. This results in excessive use of the battery, which may shorten its durability and reduce capacity.

It’s worth noting that proper battery charging is crucial to maintaining optimal battery performance, so accurate monitoring of pulsed voltage is extremely important. Thanks to the battery tester Sonel BT-120 and its function of measuring pulsed voltage up to 5 V enables, you can track the abnormalities and taking appropriate steps in order to repair and optimise the battery. Measuring this parameter gives you full control over the condition of the batteries, which translates into their longer lifespan and trouble-free operation. It’s also worth noting that pulsed voltage is an especially important factor when using batteries in emergency power systems, where reliability and readiness for instant commencement of work is extremely crucial. Regular monitoring of this parameter with the battery tester allows you to maintain the emergency power systems in the standby mode and to minimize the risk of downtime.

Tab. 1. Specification of the battery tester Sonel BT-120

Measurement of internal impedance	300 Ω
Voltage measurement	400 V AC DC
Current measurement	400 A AC DC
Pulsed voltage measuring	5 V
Temperature measurement	-10…100℃
Operating temperature	0…50℃
Weight	1.4 kg
Dimensions	109x240x198
Power supply	12 V 2.5 A DC
Measurement category	CAT III 500 V
IP rating	IP54

Summary

The battery tester Sonel BT-120 enables AC/DC current and voltage, internal impedance and pulsed voltage measurement. It is an irreplaceable tool for people and institutions that expect their own power sources to be reliable. The Sonel BT-120 features enable you to monitor the condition and performance of the batteries, as well as to predict any possible costly failures of electronic devices, vehicles and electrical energy storage or other power supply systems.

Author: Michał Cichoń, Sonel S.A.

Products mentioned in the article: