Batteries and Battery Chargers on Ship (Coursework Sample)

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Batteries and Battery Chargers
Batteries and battery chargers are important components used in the ship. The battery system on the ship is mainly used as a source of energy in case of any emergency. However, some vessels use the battery system as their main source of energy (Godager 243). There are various types of batteries used on board the ship all of which are essential in one way or another. In addition, each of them requires special testing, handling and maintenance. The following report will give information regarding the use of batteries and battery chargers on board the ship. The report will focus on the main types of batteries used, types of chargers used, how the battery system works and how it is charged. The report will also reflect the maintenance of batteries as well as the special requirements to the use of the battery system on board the ship.
Batteries are used in the ship as one of the sources of energy (Godager 243). Usually, they are used in times of black out and when there is an emergency on board. This use applies for almost all vessels. Nonetheless, batteries can be used regularly to provide a dc supply to various machines such as the engine and the decks (Godager 243). In addition, most of these batteries are used for low voltage like the bridge navigational instruments. For this reason, it is recommended for all batteries to remain charged in case of power emergencies (Godager 243).
The selection of the type and size of battery to be used in the ship depends on capacity and application of services (International Maritime Organization 124). Usually, there are two major types of battery systems used on board the ship. They include the Lead-Acid and Alkaline batteries (International Maritime Organization 124). The Lead-Acid battery consists of a series of cells. Each cell contains a positive and a negative plate both of which are made of lead metal. Both plates are immersed in dilute Sulphuric acid. The arrangement of the two plates and the electrolyte is kept in a case which is leak-proof where w ire is used to join the two plates. The lead-Acid battery in the ship consists of six cells with each cell having a voltage if about 2.2. This means that the whole battery produces a voltage of about 12 volts. The alkaline battery comprises of a positive plate of nickel hydroxide and a negative plate of iron and cadmium. Both plates of the alkaline battery are immersed in a solution of potassium hydroxide. The battery normally contains 5 cells each producing 1.4 volts (International Maritime Organization 125).
Figure 1: Battery system: (Rahn, 2012).
Battery maintenance is an important task on board the ship (Barker 204). It should therefore be performed diligently by trained personnel. We know that both Lead-Acid and Alkaline batteries require different maintenance and handling. Usually, the maintenance of batteries is done for the prevention of leakages or other problems. The most important thing is to keep all batteries fully charged in case of any emergency that would occur (Godager 243). Considering the Lead-Acid battery, a trickle charge provided constantly will ensure that the battery is always full charged. It is also important to regularly check the voltage of the battery to ensure that it is fully charged always (Barker 204).
Other battery maintenance practices include keeping the battery dry and clean and maintaining the electrolyte at the desired level, that is slightly above the plate. In case the electrolyte evaporates due to climate or weather, the ETO should add some distilled water. This explains the reasons why there is need to consider environmental factors during battery maintenance. Other maintenance tasks include keeping the terminals clean and clearing off small vents which would be present in cell caps (Barker 204).
Battery chargers used on board the ship include the Charge master and the Mass. Charge master may contain 12 V and 24 V while the mass may contain 24V and 48V. These are the most effective battery chargers used on the ship. Both chargers are recommended for charging specific number and types of batteries. Most chargers used in ships today have AC supply system. However, professionals argue that it is important to switch to dc supply system. Various factors influence the selection of the type of battery charger to use (Watson 253). The most important factor is the consideration of the number of batteries to be charged. For instance the Charge master is recommended for charging multiple batteries. The technical worker on board should ensure that the voltage of the charge corresponds to that of battery bank (Watson 253).
Battery testing is an essential task on board the ship. It is usually done to provide information on the condition of the cells and the battery. In addition, battery testing is done to provide answers to whether the battery is fully charged, whether the battery has enough charge, whether the battery meets the specification of the manufacturer or whether the battery will last long. An example of a testing procedure is testing the state of charge in the battery (Pistoia 322). In this situation, the professional discharges the battery and measures the output of energy. Determining the life of the secondary cell is also possible by cycling it until it fails. When failure occurs instantly, it indicates that the battery is not fit to serve its purpose. (Pistoia 321).
The two major methods of testing the battery include qualification and abuse testing. Qualification testing is performed to determine the suitability of the battery in serving the intended use before its approval for installation. In addition, the qualification testing verifies whether the battery meets the specification of the manufacturer. Abuse testing is usually done to ensure that the battery will not cause any danger to any user on board (Pistoia 322).
Other battery testing measures include mechanical and environmental testing (Pistoia 322). Mechanical testing is done to ascertain that the battery can withstand any mechanical stresses to which it may be exposed to. Various mec...