Vented lead-acid (VLA), valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA), and nickel-cadmium (NiCd) stationary battery installations are discussed in this guide, written to serve as a bridge between the electrical designer and the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) designer. Ventilation of stationary battery installations is critical to improving battery life while reducing the hazards associated with hydrogen production. This guide describes battery operating modes and the hazards associated with each. It provides the HVAC designer with the information to provide a cost effective ventilation solution.

This guide discusses the ventilation and thermal management of stationary battery systems as applied to the following: -- Vented (flooded) lead-acid (VLA) -- Valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA) -- Nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) -- Partially recombinant nickel-cadmium. For each category, both the technology and the design of the battery are described in order to facilitate user understanding of the environmental issues associated with each type of technology. The scope of this document includes only stationary batteries under conditions of expected use. Multiple operating modes are identified. The ventilation practices described in this guide represent the "best practic...

The purpose of this document is to provide heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) and battery system designers and users with information and recommendations concerning the ventilation and thermal management of stationary battery installations