CCPS was the first to use infrared technology for electrolyte level monitoring. This method has since become the industry standard for the automatic detection of electrolyte loss.
Since the invention of Plante cells in the 19th century, lead-acid cells with a flooded liquid electrolyte have required regular maintenance to reach their intended design life. A key part of maintenance has been to ensure that the electrolyte level never falls below the level of the lead plates. Regular checking of the electrolyte can be labour intensive, particularly if the battery concerned is not on-site.
The CCPS electrolyte level monitoring (ELM) system uses infra-red technology to continuously monitor the level of the electrolyte on every cell 24/7, alarming when the level falls below the set point.
The sensor is attached to a cell and continuously measures the case temperature of the cell below the electrolyte level. The sensor will alarm at a selectable temperature, thereby providing thermal runaway protection.
Example system set-up:
