HBL FH Nickel-Cadmium Batteries
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High-rate fiber plate batteries for engine starting, UPS, switchgear, and emergency backup systems.
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HBL FH nickel-cadmium batteries combine fiber positive electrodes with pasted negative electrodes to provide exceptional high-rate performance in a compact, lightweight design. Engineered for discharge durations between 30 minutes and one hour, FH batteries deliver dependable power for critical starting and standby applications.
Alpine Power Systems can help evaluate your application, select the appropriate FH cell, and provide the equipment and services needed to support your complete battery system.
Engineered for High-Rate Performance
HBL FH batteries use advanced fiber positive and pasted negative electrode technology. The three-dimensional nickel fiber structure provides excellent conductivity while allowing approximately 90% of the positive electrode volume to be used for active material.
This construction supports high power density, low internal resistance, rapid recharge capability, and excellent electrical performance. The pasted negative electrode is designed to reduce water consumption, extending the time between electrolyte top-offs and lowering routine maintenance requirements.
FH batteries are particularly well suited for high-rate applications requiring dependable power over discharge periods ranging from 30 minutes to one hour.
Key Benefits
Excellent high-rate discharge performance
Capacity range from 11 Ah to 320 Ah
Compact and lightweight construction
Reliable operation from -4°F to 104°F (-20°C to 40°C)
Withstands temperature extremes from -58°F to 158°F (-50°C to 70°C) without damage
More than 90% charge acceptance within five hours
Reduced water consumption
Lower routine maintenance requirements
Long service life
No electrolyte replacement required during the battery’s service life
High resistance to electrical abuse
Rugged construction for demanding applications
No risk of sudden-death failure
Optional flame-retardant containers
Applications
HBL FH batteries are designed for industrial applications requiring high discharge currents and dependable performance over approximately 30 minutes to one hour.
Typical applications include:
Engine starting
Uninterruptible power supply systems
Switchgear and utility control systems
Emergency backup power
Industrial control systems
Transportation and railway systems
Critical starting and standby applications
Final battery selection should be based on the required load, discharge duration, end-of-discharge voltage, operating temperature, charging system, and available installation space.
Product Specifications
Battery chemistry: Vented nickel-cadmium
Product range: HBL FH
Electrode technology: Fiber positive and pasted negative
Nominal voltage: 1.2 V per cell
Capacity range: 11 Ah to 320 Ah
Rated capacity: C5 ampere-hour capacity
Typical discharge duration: 30 minutes to one hour
Normal operating temperature range: -4°F to 104°F (-20°C to 40°C)
Extreme temperature tolerance: -58°F to 158°F (-50°C to 70°C)
Container: Fusion-welded translucent polypropylene
Optional container: Opaque flame-retardant construction
Terminal construction: Nickel-plated copper
Separator: Microporous and membrane separator system
Vent: Flame-arresting flip-open vent cap
Available models: FH 11P through FH 320P
Standards: IEC 60623, BS 6260, UIC 854R, IEC 60077, and NFF 64018
Advanced Electrode Technology
Fiber Positive Electrodes
The positive electrode uses a three-dimensional nickel-plated fiber matrix to retain the active material. This highly conductive structure ensures that the active material remains accessible during current collection, supporting excellent discharge performance.
Approximately 90% of the electrode volume is available for active material, contributing to high power density and a compact battery footprint.
Pasted Negative Electrodes
The pasted negative electrode is designed for high power density and reduced water consumption. Lower water consumption extends the period between electrolyte top-offs, reducing routine maintenance demands.
Low Internal Resistance
The combination of fiber positive and pasted negative electrodes helps reduce internal resistance, enabling the battery to deliver high current efficiently during demanding short-duration discharges.
Rugged Cell Construction
Nickel-Plated Copper Terminals
Nickel-plated copper terminal posts provide strong electrical conductivity and reliable performance in demanding industrial environments.
Microporous Separators
Microporous and membrane separators provide electrical insulation between the positive and negative plates without restricting the free flow of electrolyte.
Fusion-Welded Polypropylene Containers
FH cells are housed in impact-resistant polypropylene containers with thermally welded lids. The translucent construction allows technicians to inspect electrolyte levels visually during routine maintenance.
Optional Flame-Retardant Containers
Opaque flame-retardant containers are available for applications with additional fire-resistance requirements. Because these containers are not translucent, electrolyte levels cannot be inspected through the container wall.
Flame-Arresting Vent Caps
Reliable flip-open flame-arresting vent caps help prevent external flames from entering the cell while protecting the electrolyte from contamination.
Stainless-Steel Crates
Individual cells can be assembled in stainless-steel crates for easier handling and added mechanical protection.
Fast Recharge Capability
HBL FH batteries can accept more than 90% of their charge within five hours under appropriate charging conditions. This rapid recharge capability helps restore the battery to a high state of charge following a discharge event.
Proper charging voltage and current settings are essential to achieving the expected battery performance and service life. Alpine can evaluate the existing charging system or recommend a compatible charger for a new installation.
High-Rate Performance Across a Broad Capacity Range
The FH family includes models ranging from 11 Ah to 320 Ah. Available cell sizes allow the battery system to be matched to the required current and discharge duration without unnecessary capacity or space.
Discharge performance data is available for multiple end voltages and durations ranging from several hours to as little as one second. This allows Alpine to size the battery based on the application’s actual load profile rather than ampere-hour capacity alone.
Available models include:
FH 11P
FH 16P
FH 21P
FH 24P
FH 28P
FH 36P
FH 45P
FH 52P
FH 60P
FH 70P
FH 80P
FH 90P
FH 100P
FH 115P
FH 130P
FH 150P
FH 170P
FH 190P
FH 220P
FH 250P
FH 280P
FH 300P
FH 320P
Detailed dimensional and discharge data is available in the FH product brochure.
International Standards
HBL FH nickel-cadmium batteries are designed to conform to international standards used for stationary and railway battery applications, including:
IEC 60623
BS 6260
UIC 854R
IEC 60077
NFF 64018
Alpine can help confirm the applicable standard and battery configuration for your specific project requirements.
Why Choose Alpine Power Systems?
Alpine Power Systems provides industrial battery expertise throughout the complete system lifecycle.
Application review and battery sizing
Battery and charger system engineering
Replacement battery system design
Battery racks, crates, and accessories
Installation and commissioning
Preventive maintenance
Battery testing and inspections
Charger evaluations
Nationwide field service
Battery recycling and disposal coordination
With nationwide capabilities and decades of critical power experience, Alpine helps customers select, deploy, and maintain reliable battery systems for essential operations.
Applications
- Emergency Lighting
- Industrial UPS
- Generator Starting
- Oil & Gas
- Railway & Railroad
- Railroad
- Utilities & Switchgear
Technologies
- Nickel Cadmium (NiCd)
Manufacturer
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