TORKEL900 series battery discharge test systems
The TORKEL900 series of battery discharge test systems are Megger’s fourth generation of battery discharge analysers. Discharge testing is the only test method that provides a comprehensive insight into battery capacity, and is therefore an essential part of vigorous battery maintenance programmes.
Tests with the TORKEL900 series can be conducted at constant current, constant power, constant resistance, or in accordance with a pre-selected load profile. What’s more, if you connect the BVM battery voltage monitor to a TORKEL900 unit, the TORKEL becomes a complete standalone discharge test system.
With the TORKEL900 series, you won’t need to disconnect the battery from the equipment. The TORKEL900 units use a DC clamp-on ammeter to measure the total battery current while regulating it at a constant level. If the voltage drops to a level slightly above the final voltage, the TORKEL issues an alarm and if there is a risk of deep discharging the battery, the TORKEL stops the test. All results are stored in the TORKEL and can easily be transferred to a PC via a USB drive.
Additionally, testing times are much shorter with the TORKEL900 series, thanks to their high discharge capacity. Discharging can take place at up to 220 A, and if higher current is needed, two or more TORKEL units or extra load units (TXL) can be linked together.
The TORKEL900 series has three models available: 910, 930, and 950, depending on the maximum current (up to 220 A), voltage (up to 500 V), and functionality required.
The “Play”, or “Run”, button is not enabled
There are two main causes:
- Temperature compensation is enabled and you have not entered a battery/ambient temperature.
- The TORKEL is not detecting the battery.
What you can do:
First check to see if the temperature is set on the TORKEL; if not, make sure to enter the temperature. Otherwise, verify that all battery cables are firmly connected.
The TORKEL fans are running at a high speed
Check to make sure that nothing is blocking the fans. The fans also rev up to maximum speed when the “Emergency Stop” button is pressed; check and release the “Emergency Stop” button if needed.
The TORKEL gives an error message “Can’t Regulate”
The maximum power consumption that the TORKEL can provide is 15 kW, so the maximum current draw depends on the battery voltage. Check to make sure the current value you set is not too high, given the battery voltage. You can confirm the maximum possible current by checking the data sheet, user guide, or the “TorkelCalc” tab in the Torkel Viewer software. If this message appears when using multiple units together, you can ignore it if it does not appear on the primary unit controlling the test.
I am using the current probe for an external measurement but not getting any reading (or I’m getting faulty readings)
Under the “Settings” tab in the TORKEL, verify that you have set "Current measurement" to "External" and that the ratio is set correctly for your CT. The mV/A ratio must match the ratio on the DC clamp-on current probe itself. If you are using the optional 1000 A DC clamp-on probe from Megger, enter 1 mV/A.
If you are still not getting any readings, check to verify the CT is turned on or cycle the on/off switch. Additionally, you can swap out the battery or check all connections if you have the power supply option. If you are getting faulty readings, perform a zero adjustment on the CT.
I am unable to switch on the circuit breaker F1 switch on the TXL unit
F1 is a voltage-controlled circuit breaker connecting the TXL Extra Load resistors to the battery. If F1 does not latch or remain at its upper (On) position, verify that power is connected to the TXL and that the unit’s mains switch is turned on. Ensure that you have correctly connected the control leads from the “CONTROL IN” input on the TXL to the “TXL STOP” output on the TORKEL.
The BVM is not initialising
Verify that the Data output port of the Power and Signal connector is connected to the BVM1 connection on the TORKEL. Verify the DC IN port and power supply are connected properly. Unplug and reconnect all connections to verify. If you have multiple BVM kits, swap out the Power and Signal connector to verify functionality.
Communication lost with BVM units or no cell bars appearing
Check the cables of the BVM units and the power supply to the BVM units. If you have multiple BVM kits, swap out the Power and Signal connector to verify functionality. If you have connected more than 61 BVM units, then you need to connect an extra ethernet cable from the last BVM (red alligator connector) to the “To last BVM unit” plug on the Power and Signal connector. Check the BVM connection diagram for reference.
Only part of the cell readings appear on the TORKEL
Check the connections from the BVM to the battery cell to make sure they are tight. If a single BVM or only a few BVMs are not displayed, the problem is probably in the connection from the BVM to the battery. If a string of BVMs is not displayed, then it could be a fault in the connections between BVMs. To verify that a BVM is working correctly, switch it with a BVM on another cell that works properly. If the error follows the BVM, i.e., the missing cell now appears while the cell that you moved the suspect BVM to disappears, there is most likely a fault with the BVM, and you will need to replace it. If the error does not follow the BVM and the original missing cell is still not appearing, the fault is most likely in the interconnecting cable, and you will need to replace it. The same swap-out procedure can be performed with the cables to verify their integrity.
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