saFT OPERATING AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
1. Description
1-1. General
The batteries are connected to the aircraft system:
- According to the aircraft manufacturer, to start the engine or the APU.
- On the ground, to provide power before electrical power is supplied to the aircraft systems.
- In flight, if a malfunction or a failure occurs in the power supply system.
Handle, strap ------~
Cover assembly
Connector-----~
Sensor connector-----.... •
Vent tube ---------~
Nickel-Cadmium Aircraft Battery
1-2. Batteries
NOTE: The item numbers are those of the detailed parts list chapter.
Each Saft nickel-cadmium battery consists of a metallic box (020 ), usually stainless steel, plastic-coated
steel, painted steel or titanium, containing a number of individual cells. These cells are connected in series
to obtain a specified voltage, usually 12 or 24 volts nominal. Individual cells are enclosed in a polyamide con-
tainer that provides insulation, allowing them to be fitted side-by-side in the battery box. Interconnection of
cells is via rigid, highly conductive, nickel-plated copper links(030). Each link is held in position by nickel-plat-
ed copper nuts (.11.Q) on the cells' terminals (or nickel-plated steel screws for internally threaded terminals).
Inside the battery box, individual cells are held in position by partitions, liners and spacers (200 ), and a cover
assembly (010 ). Each battery is designed with appropriate ventilation to allow the escape of gases produced
during an overcharge condition and to provide cooling during normal operation.
1-3. Cells
The cell is the active component of the battery. This is where the electrochemical reaction occurs that con-
verts chemical energy into electricity. In Saft aviation batteries, the design features are on the cutting edge
of today's technology.
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OPERATING AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL saFT
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION
The active elements of the nickel-cadmium cell are either two groups of thin, porous, sintered nickel plates
(VO, VP, VXP & Delta Plus (VHP) Series) or one group of positive sintered nickel plates and one group of
negative Plastic Bonded Electrode (PBE) plates [ULM® Series (CVH, CVK, CVD)]. In all cells, the positive
plates are sintered nickel, impregnated with nickel-hydroxide. The negative plates are either sintered nickel
impregnated with cadmium-hydroxide, or cadmium-oxide applied in a non-sintered coating process (PBE),
which is later converted to cadmium-hydroxide during manufacturing. In the cell, the positive and negative
plates are immersed in electrolyte, a solution of potassium hydroxide and water.
Within the cell container, a three-part separator separates the plates of opposite polarity. The outer layers
are a felt-like fabric. This fabric allows the electrolyte to stay in contact with the plates by "wicking". The inner
layer is either an organic or a micro-porous synthetic material that acts as a gas barrier to control oxygen
recombination during recharge.
Each set of positive and negative plates is connected to a plate tab that employs a continuous welding joint
for maximum energy transfer. These terminals are connected to the respective terminal posts. The terminal
post is what allows external connections to be made. An 0-ring seals the terminals.
Each cell is equipped with a vent-valve that can be removed to allow access to the electrolyte (for the addition
of distilled or deionized water). This valve also serves as a pressure-checking device, designed to limit the
pressure inside the cell to 0.7 bar (10 psi) maximum.
Many cells have a raised edge surrounding the vent-valve to contain any minor release of electrolyte that
may occur during overcharge.
Saft cells are composed of a cover and body made of polygamy plastic. These are thermally welded together
to form a single, leak proof container. This ensures that if the battery is maintained and used under normal
circumstances, it will never leak.
Cutaway of a Vented Cell
Figure 1
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