VRLA battery float, boost and recharge control using the battery string module (BSM)

The VMS (valve regulated lead acid battery management system) is a total VRLA battery management system and consists of 4 major components: Battery String Module (BSM); Test Discharge Module (TDM); VMS Controller; and Portable Interface Module (PIM). Although the first three of the four modules are needed for a complete VMS system, each battery string in a DC power plant's source of emergency reserve power needs its own BSM. The BSM is considered the day-to-day battery string manager while the other modules provide access and support during the time the BSM is managing its' battery string. However, It is shown that once installed, using the Portable Interface Module (PIM), the BSM can operate without the support of the other modules. This paper concentrates on the operational, day-to-day management techniques of the BSM.