Figure-1

Minimum 800mm should be maintained all around the racks. If battery rack tiers
need only front access, then rear clearance from wall could be limited to 150mm
or two such racks could be placed back-to-back in the middle of the room. (see
Fig.1)

Aisles which lead to the exit doors should be at least 800mm for ease of egress
(see Fig.1). Keep in mind, the batteries contain acid and in the event of an
individual spilling acid on themselves or making contact with their eyes, egress
should be as easy as possible.

Due to acid concerns, an eyewash station & wash basin shall be located inside
the room or directly outside of the door. If the eyewash station is located inside
the room, the aisle between the station and the racks shall be a least 1000mm,
so as water does not come in contact with the battery terminals (see Fig.1).

The battery room may be a fenced in an area or a completely enclosed room. If

this is a fenced are, considerations must be given to any water piping in the area,
in the event of ruptured pipes or leaks. If the room is completely enclosed by
walls, this will present its own set of concerns.
2. LAYOUT AND BATTERY TYPES:
Following design considerations are applicable only in case of Lead-Acid\Plante,
Lead-Acid\Antimony, Lead-Acid\Calcium type battery, and not while using NiCad
(Nickel Cadmium) battery or Lead-Acid\VRLA (Valve regulated lead-acid or
sealed lead-acid or maintenance free) battery.

The acid contained in the batteries and the electrical reaction between the
positive and neutral electrodes will create a toxic and/or explosive gas. With that
in mind, the enclosed room must be ventilated. Adequate ventilation should be
provided for Lead-Acid\Antimony type battery which generates ten times of
hydrogen gas than that of Lead-Acid\Plante or Lead-Acid\Calcium battery. The
 electrical equipment which may cause a spark, such as light switches, battery
charger panel or battery fuse box should be located outside of the room. The
vent motors should be rated non-sparking and the lighting fixtures should be
vapour-tight type.

Additionally, the battery room flooring should be of acid-proof tiling and

skirt/dado/walls should be of acid-proof tiling or acid-resistant epoxy coating up to
2100mm height. You should inform civil of this requirement and ensure the same
while reviewing their drawing.

As a good practice, cables are routed through above grade (RGS) conduits
inside the battery room, and cable trays are avoided to the extent possible.
However, if cable tray is the preference then anti-corrosive paint or epoxy coat
should be applied to protect it from acid fumes. Or, you may use fiber/stainless
steel tray for the purpose.

Eye-wash station is not required for NiCd / VRLA battery applications.

Although 92 cells of NiCad are required to equal 60 cells of Lead-Acid, the NiCad
still has the advantage of being smaller in size and weight for a given capacity.

3. GENERAL:
All industrial codes and standards mentioned in project contract /design criteria
document should be looked up for additional regulations to be adhered to.

Future provision should be kept in line with project requirements.

The vendor drawing shall be read for no. of tiers and battery arrangement. The odd
number of tiers could have positive and negative termination on the opposite corner of
the rack. If so, you may request vendor to make termination available on

one side of the rack or keep a provision of embedded conduits, above grade
conduits or stub up on both the side of rack. If terminations are in opposite corner
of the rack, you should inform wiring group that two separate cables, one for
each polarity, need to run for the terminations.

The battery room floor cut-outs, fixing/mounting details and door size (width &
height) shall be communicated to civil team to include them on applicable
drawings.

The floor cut-outs or stub-up conduits or embedded conduits or above grade

conduits should be sealed with fire resistant material. A suitable note should be
indicated either on the drawing itself or should be listed under “general notes &
details” deliverable.
 The layout should be issued after putting up a 3D model and ensuring zero
interference report.

As minimum information, the IFC issue of layout should include equipment tag
number, description, dimensions (locating, size, and clearances), orientation
(front side) and necessary elevation views.

1.0 Output
 GA drawing or EI drawing with Battery Room Layout.

2.0 Applicable Software Tools

 Microstation 2D & 3D

3.0 Lessons Learned

Various aspects of Cable tray design process have been addressed in the
following PIPs in the PIP system.

 PIP no. 2010-227PIP no. 2012-0387

 Battery room and vault below DCS floor must carry power cables pertaining to battery
system and DCS system respectively. Cables other than these systems must be avoided
in these areas considering hazardous area of battery room and interference in DCS
signal cables.