Megger BITE3

The Megger BITE3 Battery Impedance Tester determines the health of lead-acid cells by taking measurements of the most important battery parameters. The BITE3 measures cell impedance, an internal ohmic test, cell voltage, intercell connection resistance and ripple current. The BITE3 also measures float current and the harmonic content of the ripple current. There is even a built-in spectrum analyzer to show the harmonic content of the ripple current. It has firmware that can be upgraded through the Internet and supports multiple languages.

The BITE3 is one of the easiest instruments to use. Its measurements, along with temperature, specific gravity and other battery data, can provide the best basis for evaluating the overall health of batteries from terminal plate to terminal plate and to a lesser extent, the charger (from ripple current and its harmonic content). The BITE3 makes for an ideal part of a comprehensive battery maintenance program with readings taken and recorded semi-annually for flooded, lead-acid cells and quarterly for VRLA.

Unlike load-cycle testing, the BITE3 is quick, reliable and easy to use. With a rapid test time, one person can easily, quickly and precisely measure cell and string parameters without taking the system off line. Furthermore, in as little as four keystrokes, the instrument is ready to take battery measurements. The processor of the BITE3 uses a Windows CE Operating System and can store more than 1 million cells' data in any string configuration. It is menu-driven that is easy to navigate. Its unique data analysis screens provide immediate feedback on the status of cell impedance. The first part of the report is the numerical data. The second part is the impedance deviation graph and the third part is the impedance deviation graph but in ascending impedance order. The ascending impedance graph groups the weakest cells together for easier analysis. With the optional printer, this report can be printed by the user and left at the site as a record for future reference.

• Determines health of lead-acid cells
• Measures impedance, interconnection resistance and cell voltage
• On-line testing requires no downtime and reduces risk to battery testing
• Provides Pass/Warning/Fail calculations
• Measures float and ripple currents
• Memory holds data in any string configuration for more than 1 million cells
• Serial connector allows for easy transfer of stored data to PC
• Operates on Windows CE system with 32 MB of memory
• Includes PowerDB LITE Management Software for powerful data analysis
• Supports multiple languages

Applications:

• Helps determine maintenance needs, including:
  • Cell replacement criteria based on impedance trends
  • Jumper out a cell or two
  • Clean and/or retighten intercell connectors
  • Shorten the maintenance interval
  • Evaluate float current and ripple current effects
• Tests typical installations, including:
  • Electrical power generation plants
  • Substations - utility, railroad, industrial
  • Telecommunications facilities - OSP, Wireless, POPs, MTSOs, Fiber Regens
  • UPS systems - standard and cabinetized batteries
  • Railroad - Signals and Communications, CTC
  • Aircraft power supplies
  • Marine and military