Alcad showcases low-maintenance batteries for industrial power back up and renewable energy installations at Middle East Electricity 2009

These products deliver outstanding performance, reliability and optimised TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) in even the most demanding back up power installations.

Vantex is ideally suited for high-temperature stationary applications such as in the utility and oil and gas industries, while Solar has been developed specifically for renewable energy systems.

Also on display at the exhibition are Alcad's general ranges of Ni-Cd batteries that ensure a long and predictable service life in a wide variety of stationary backup and engine starting applications.

Vantex is specially adapted for any stationary industrial backup power installation requiring a battery that ensures maximum reliability and optimum TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) while operating for long periods at high ambient temperatures (up to +40°C). A Vantex battery may require just one topping-up operation throughout its service life. This is made possible by a 'high-technology, low-maintenance' design that ensures a very high level of gas recombination and very low gas emission levels.

Vantex cells are assembled in blocks of up to six cells, and to make installation and operation as simple as possible they are delivered ready-filled with electrolyte. Normally, a filled, Vantex battery can be stored for up to two years. In addition, Vantex offers very good chargeability, reaching over 95 per cent of its capacity in less than 15 hours using single-level low-voltage charging.

Vantex is available in a wide range of capacities, from 15 to 1700 Ah, with a choice of L type plates - for relatively long discharge periods, or M type plates - to sustain loads from between 30 minutes to 3 hours. The Vantex range is manufactured to the highest quality standards in production facilities qualified to ISO 9001 and ISO 14001. The design also complies with the requirement of IEC 62259 that calls for a minimum 70% gas recombination level.

Alcad's Solar batteries provide an ideal, cost-effective alternative to VRLA (Valve Regulated Lead Acid) batteries in demanding renewable energy applications worldwide including PV (photovoltaic) and stand-alone hybrid systems.
They are designed to continue to operate at any state of charge, and reach a high state of charge without boost or reconditioning charges - this makes it easy to manage the complex charging patterns essential for efficient operation of the renewable energy system by avoiding the need to over-compensate for unpredictable charging conditions with high charging voltages. Alcad Solar batteries are compatible with all current PV charge regulators and conventional industrial battery chargers.

A robust pocket plate construction and stable electrochemistry enables Alcad Solar to operate comfortably within a temperature range of -20°C to +50°C, and it can tolerate extremes of -50°C to +70°C. Even at -40°C, the batteries will deliver 80% capacity for a 120 hour discharge.
Alcad Solar requires very low maintenance over a 20-year service lifetime - intervals for topping-up with water can be more than four years, depending on the application - reducing operating costs to a minimum. With no manpower or equipment expenses for battery replacement, troubleshooting or repair, minimal maintenance and reduced need to travel to remote installations, Alcad Solar will significantly lower the TCO (total Cost of Ownership) of both the batteries and the whole renewable energy system. Increased reliability can also reduce demands on expensive diesel generators, which helps to further reduce overall system running costs.

Alcad Solar batteries are available in a range of nominal capacities from 45 Ah up to 1110 Ah and are delivered ready filled and charged. They are fully recyclable and Alcad provides a service to collect and dispose of all its batteries at the end of their service life.

The company is also showing its complete range of Ni-Cd products including single-cells and XPH. Alcad's batteries are complemented by the comprehensive service, technical and training backup provided by Alcad's global sales and after-sales support network.