In the News

September 26, 2003

Pharos Marine’s photovoltaic systems now include Alcad nickel-cadmium batteries as part of a Zone 1 Certified package

Pharos Marine’s photovoltaic systems now include Alcad nickel-cadmium batteries as part of a Zone 1 Certified package AB Pharos Marine Ltd, the world leader in marine to navigation equipment, has boosted the performance and reliability of its range of self contained photovoltaic (PV) power systems by deciding to offer Alcad ultra low-maintenance, long-life, rechargeable nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries as a replacement option for the traditional VRLA (Valve Regulated Lead Acid batteries). The PV systems are designed either for use with new buoys, or for converting existing battery or gas powered lightbuoys to solar power, and have been accepted via the ATEX certification system for certification to Zone 1 Ex e when fitted with the Alcad batteries.

Pharos Marine has designed a range of special battery boxes to meet the requirements of Zone 1 certification while offering ingress protection to IP56. The boxes, which are fabricated in either stainless steel or galvanised steel, include a special ventilated lid which prevents the build up of evolved gases during charging.

Zone 1 Ex e certification has been obtained for the Pharos Marine PV system when fitted with a battery comprising 10 Alcad Vantage VN 285 cells connected in parallel. This provides a nominal 12 V and 570 Ah capacity at the C5 rate. Versions are also available which offer 24 V and 285 Ah as well as 6 V and 1140 Ah.

Alcad Vantage VN cells are designed specifically for medium to low rate discharge duties. They are ideally suited to replace Valve Regulated Lead Acid (VRLA) batteries for critical applications in power generation plant, offshore installations, maritime applications or in any other situation where a reliable source of back-up power is essential.

The key feature of the Vantage VN cells is their pocket plate electrode technology which is proven to need only minimal attention after installation, since their non-corrosive construction and highly efficient electrochemistry reduces the requirement for repeated checks for topping-up and recharging. This inherent reliability over a 20 year plus service life eliminates the fear of the unpredictable ‘sudden death’ failure sometimes encountered with lead-acid batteries, as well as enabling the user to benefit from savings over regular replacement, maintenance and down-time costs.

Compared with VRLA batteries, Vantage VN batteries are also more tolerant of electrical abuse such as overcharging, deep or even complete discharge, and offer superior performance at extremes of temperature, with an operating range of 0°C to +40°C.

Vantage VN series cells are available in nominal capacities from 8 Ah to 476 Ah.

Press contacts:
Camilla Kjellgren - camilla.kjellgren@alcatel.se
Tel: +46-491-68106 Fax: +46 491 68110

Andrew Bartlett, Roger Staton Associates.
Tel: +44 (0) 1628 487222 Fax: +44 (0) 1628 487223

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