Document No. 5-0324 Rev B
BATTERY DESCRIPTION
A. Concorde RG®Series aircraft batteries are made using valve regulated lead
acid cells. Each cell is sealed with a pressure relief valve that regulates the
internal pressure and prevents gases from escaping. The positive and negative
plates are sandwiched between layers of glass mat consisting of glass micro
fibers of varying length and diameter. This blend features superior wicking
characteristics and promotes maximum retention of the electrolyte. Electrolyte is
absorbed and held in place by the capillary action between the fluid and the
absorptive glass mat (AGM) fibers. By design, the AGM separator is only about
90-95% saturated with electrolyte. The void space provides the channels by
which oxygen travels from the positive to the negative plates during charging.
When the oxygen gas reaches the negative plate, it reacts with lead to form lead
oxide and water. This reaction at the negative plate suppresses the generation
of hydrogen that otherwise would come off the negative plate. In this manner,
virtually all of the gas is recombined inside the cell, eliminating the need to add
water, resulting in Amaintenance free@operation.
B. The pressure relief valve (PRV) is designed to open when the internal
pressure of a cell is approximately 1.5 psi above the external pressure. The PRV
prevents excessive pressure buildup when the battery is being charged, and
automatically reseals once the pressure is released. A slight bulge in the battery
container can appear when the internal pressure increases slightly, but not
enough to open the PRV. Alternatively, if the PRV opens at altitude and the
battery is then returned to the ground, the external pressure can be greater than
the internal pressure, resulting in a concave battery container. Both of these
conditions are normal and do not affect the battery’s operation.
CAUTION: DO NOT REMOVE THE PRESSURE RELIEF VALVES ON AN
RG BATTERY AND DO NOT ADD WATER OR ELECTROLYTE. THE
RECOMBINANT GAS DESIGN ELIMINATES THE NEED TO REPLENISH
WATER AND ELECTROLYTE. REMOVING THE PRESSURE RELIEF
VALVE VOIDS THE WARRANTY.
C. The RG®Series of aircraft batteries consist of 6 or 12 valve regulated lead
acid cells connected in series to make a nominal 12 volt or 24 volt battery,
respectively. The cells are contained in a plastic or metallic container equipped
with an electrical receptacle for mating to the aircraft. In some models, externally
mounted temperature sensors are present that interface to the aircraft charging
and/or electrical system. Some models also include heaters to warm the battery
for operation in extreme cold temperature environments.
D. Technical characteristics of the various battery models are detailed on
Concorde’s website (see front page of this manual). If internet access is not
available, contact Concorde for assistance (see front page of this manual).
