Symmetra PX 30kVA: Runtime calibration canceled

[BillP]

We are running a PX 1 with 3 pcs. 10kVA Power modules, extended Battery cabinet (overall 8 pcs. SYBT4).

Runtime after runtime calibration last year was 2h 3min. Load did not change since last year.

Last Monday we started runtime calibration using the display in the front of PX (not by management card).

After 1 h and 50 min. rutime calibration stopped. Info within log: Runtime calibration canceled.

After waiting 24 h and 100% charged batteries, we started  Runtime calibration again.

Rusult: Again, after 1 h and 50 min it stopped. Again the same remark in the logs: Runtime calibration canceled.

Load is allways between 36,4 and 38 %. 

What could help to finish Runtime calibration ?

[Anonymous user]

We have a Matrix 5000 (with 2 XR batteries connected) which does the same thing every time it runs.

A runtime calibration stops at 30% battery capacity with a remark in the log: "Device   UPS: Runtime calibration cancelled".

Is there a way to find out why this happens? The battery test says they are OK.

[BillP]

Meanwhile we replaced the Symmetra PX 1 with a PX2. Old PX1 is sold.....
It seems, nobody is interessted or able to help.

Rob: How old are the batteries? If they are really o.k. i would try a restart of the UPS. You can check status of batteries, using front panel of the MATRIX. 

Manual: https://excessups.com/manuals/Matrix-Manual.pdf

Section: 5.0 Operation

If there is one ore more 'bad batteries': batteries have to be changed and XR is to be resetet (if so, ask me. I will help!)

Best regards

Walter

[Anonymous user]

They are quite old, from 2010. But a battery test is always OK and physically they look fine.

We have three Matrix 5000 units and the other two have the same battery age without any problems, the calibration tests are running fine on these units.

Is there some forensic logging possible on these units to figure out what's going on?

[Anonymous user]

In addition: The unit has an AP9630 NMC running with the latest firmware version.

[BillP]

As a local distributor for a well known battery manufacturer, i can say: 8 year old Batteries in a APC UPS are more than dead.

Look for 8 pcs. GPL12750 in your region (4 pcs. per external XR), reuse old cabeling (with the yellow Anderson connectors)  at news batteries and have runtime again at your MATRIX.

If calibration error does not disappear, restart (cold start) the MATRIX.

Is there some forensic logging possible on these units to figure out what's going on?

Post event- and data logs. Maybe, there is more information. 

Best regards

Walter

[Anonymous user]

Hi Walter,

Thanks for your reply. We are indeed amazed by the fact that they are that old and still a battery test on the Matrix says they are OK and a runtime test can last at least 1:30 with 80% load connected on a Matrix with 4 XR cells.

What is a normal lifetime of these kind of batteries?

Best regards,

Rob

[BillP]

Hi Rob,

at 4 Smartcell-XR and 80 & Load, a 3000VA MATRIX should have a runtime around 6 hrs 28 min.
and a 5000VA Matrix should have 3 hrs 40 mins

Source: http://www.bomara.com/APC/matrix-ups_runtime.htm

As technican, I never trust data sheets: The higher service life in a datasheet, the cheaper are the batteries from a (cheap) manufacturer. If you should have 4 pcs. GPL12750 in your Matrix XR: Service life is up to 8 years (in a lab). When they last up to 6 or 7 years, you had luck and/or your UPS is in a cool room.

Order new batteries. Do not wait, till your batteries are dying the thermal runaway.

Best regards

Walter

[Anonymous user · Accepted solution]

Hi Walter,

They are indeed standing in a cool room. We will replace the batteries soon or replace the UPS units all together. They are quite old too.

Thanks for all your info!

Regards,
Rob