HOW DO YOU PREVENT COSTLY BATTERY FAILURES BEFORE THEY HAPPEN?


In this Q&A, DOLD Industries explains how proactive battery symmetry monitoring can help prevent issues caused by unexpected battery failures


HOW CAN YOU PREVENT UNEXPECTED BATTERY FAILURES? Unexpected battery failures can lead to costly downtime, compromised safety, and poor system performance – critical concerns in backup power and industrial energy storage applications. So what is the key to preventing these issues? Proactive battery symmetry monitoring. DOLD’s BA9054 Battery Symmetry Monitoring devices delivers high-accuracy detection of voltage imbalances in battery systems with centre tapping, helping design engineers and contractors optimise battery performance, extend lifespan, and prevent failures before they happen.


cell C – is depleted, even if other cells still hold charge. Continuing would damage the depleted cell and shorten overall battery life. Charging Limitation:


Charging must stop when the first cell – such as cell A – reaches its maximum voltage. Exceeding this can lead to thermal runaway, posing a risk of catastrophic failure, including fire or explosion. Battery symmetry monitoring is essential for catching these issues before they cause lasting damage.


Typical connection diagram Built for preventive maintenance, improved productivity, and full compliance


with IEC/EN 60255-1, the BA9054 is a powerful and compact solution for safeguarding battery storage systems. Available in three configurations, the BA9054 is engineered for high-precision voltage detection, identifying imbalances with exceptional repeat accuracy. By detecting irregularities early, it enables engineers to take corrective action – reducing maintenance downtime, preventing system disruptions, and ensuring peak battery efficiency.


WHERE WOULD YOU USE BATTERY MONITORING?


WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THE BA9054? • Wide Voltage Compatibility – Supports battery voltages up to 300V DC, making it ideal for diverse energy storage applications.


• Precision Voltage Detection – Measures voltage ranges from 0.12V – 10V DC, enabling early detection of potential failures.


• Advanced Safety & Compliance – Meets IEC/EN 60255-1 standards, ensuring reliability in emergency power systems.


• Preventive Maintenance – Minimises downtime and extends battery lifespan by identifying voltage imbalances before they cause critical failures.


• No Auxiliary Voltage Required – Simplifies integration into battery storage units.


• Time Delay Feature (10s) – Avoids false alarms, ensuring stable operation.


WHY USE BATTERY SYMMETRY MONITORING? “In systems where just one cell can limit energy availability and jeopardise power delivery, the BA9054 empowers design engineers to add advanced battery health monitoring for reliable performance without complicating system design,” commented Ian Holland, managing director. “With gold-plated contacts for reliable low-load switching, LED indicators for real-time feedback, and a compact 45mm width, it seamlessly integrates into existing battery management systems.”


WHO IS THE BA9054 DESIGNED FOR? DOLD’s BA9054 is purpose-built for design engineers working in battery storage, renewable energy, and industrial power systems. By integrating this device into their designs, engineers can improve battery efficiency, prevent system failures, and optimise energy usage – ensuring a stable, reliable power supply is always available when and where it’s needed most!


Battery systems play a mission-critical role in energy storage, backup power – including UPS systems for data centres and in-house IT depts – and other industrial applications. To prevent operational failures, voltage symmetry monitoring is essential.


WHY DOES VOLTAGE IMBALANCE MATTER? In backup power systems composed of multiple battery packs, a single underperforming cell can reduce the total available energy, trigger shutdowns, and compromise power delivery when it’s needed most. Worse still, it can dictate the reliability of the entire battery pack, leading to reduced efficiency or catastrophic failure.


WHAT IS THE ROOT OF THE PROBLEM? Discharge Limitation: Discharging must stop when the first cell – such as


www.essmag.co.uk DOLD’s BA9054 DOLD Industries T: 01245 324432 www.dold.co.uk ENERGY & SUSTAINABILITY SOLUTIONS - Summer 2025 23


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