Blue Edge 12V/18AH SMF Battery

Blue Edge 12V/18AH SMF Battery represents advanced valve-regulated lead-acid battery technology, engineered by Exide to deliver reliable power storage for critical applications. This sealed maintenance-free battery combines proven lead-calcium chemistry with absorbed glass mat technology, providing exceptional performance across diverse industrial and commercial environments.

Technical Specifications and Performance

Electrical Characteristics

The EP18-12 delivers 12V nominal voltage with 18Ah capacity at the standard 20-hour discharge rate. Multiple discharge profiles accommodate various application requirements:

• 20-hour rate: 18Ah at 1.75V per cell
• 10-hour rate: 16.9Ah capacity retention
• 3-hour rate: 13.7Ah for moderate discharge applications
• 1-hour rate: 10.8Ah for high-current demands
• 30-minute rate: 9.0Ah for emergency power applications

Physical Dimensions and Construction

Measuring 181mm (length) × 76mm (width) × 167mm (height), this compact battery weighs 5.0kg while maintaining robust construction. The ABS container provides chemical resistance and mechanical protection, with optional flame-retardant grade available for enhanced safety requirements.

Advanced VRLA Technology Features

Absorbed Glass Mat Design

The EP18-12 utilizes micro-porous glass fiber separators that completely absorb the electrolyte solution. This design eliminates acid spillage risks even during accidental damage, making it suitable for installations in any orientation without performance degradation.

Lead-Tin-Calcium Alloy Plates

Positive and negative plates constructed from lead-tin-calcium alloy deliver superior cycle life and reduced self-discharge characteristics. This metallurgy provides enhanced corrosion resistance while maintaining optimal conductivity throughout the battery’s operational lifespan.

Pressure Relief Valve System

The self-regulating pressure relief valve maintains optimal internal pressure while preventing oxygen and hydrogen gas accumulation. This safety feature ensures reliable operation across varying temperature conditions while extending service life through controlled gas recombination.

Operational Parameters and Efficiency

Discharge Performance Characteristics

The EP18-12 demonstrates exceptional discharge efficiency across multiple voltage thresholds:

• High-rate discharge (>1.0C): 1.30V per cell cutoff
• Medium-rate discharge (0.5C-1.0C): 1.55V per cell cutoff
• Low-rate discharge (<0.2C): 1.75V per cell cutoff
• Intermittent applications: 1.75V per cell maintained

Temperature Performance Range

Operating effectively from 0°C to 45°C, this battery maintains consistent capacity across industrial temperature ranges. Capacity retention exceeds 80% at 0°C compared to 27°C baseline performance, ensuring reliable operation in challenging environments.

Power Output Capabilities

Constant Power Discharge Ratings

The EP18-12 provides substantial power output for various duration requirements:

At 1.60V per cell:

• 5-minute discharge: 632 watts
• 15-minute discharge: 334 watts
• 30-minute discharge: 200 watts
• 60-minute discharge: 123 watts

At 1.70V per cell:

• 10-minute discharge: 421 watts
• 20-minute discharge: 262 watts

Charging and Maintenance Specifications

Voltage Settings for Optimal Performance

Charging parameters vary according to application requirements and ambient temperature (20-30°C):

• Float charging: 13.7V ±0.1V (maintenance applications)
• Boost charging: 14.1V ±0.1V (recovery charging)
• Cycle charging: 14.7V ±0.1V (deep-cycle applications)

Current Limitations and Efficiency

Maximum charging current should not exceed 0.3CA, with minimum maintenance current of 0.1CA. The battery achieves greater than 90% ampere-hour efficiency and exceeds 80% watt-hour efficiency under standard operating conditions.

Quality Assurance and Reliability

Manufacturing Standards

Each EP18-12 undergoes comprehensive capacity verification through data-logger testing during production, ensuring 100% rated capacity delivery. This quality control process meets JISC8702 performance characteristics, providing measurable reliability for critical applications.

Self-Discharge and Storage Requirements

With less than 3% monthly self-discharge at 27°C, the battery maintains charge integrity during extended standby periods. Recommended storage duration extends to 3 months from manufacturing date when stored in covered environments at 27°C.

Internal Resistance and Conductivity

Low internal resistance of 15mΩ at full charge provides excellent power transfer efficiency. Large-surface-area terminals ensure maximum conductivity with recommended terminal torque of 2.5 N-m for secure electrical connections.

Application Suitability

The EP18-12 proves particularly effective for uninterruptible power supply systems, emergency lighting installations, security equipment, and renewable energy storage applications where reliable backup power remains essential. Its sealed construction and orientation independence make it suitable for both stationary and mobile installations requiring dependable energy storage solutions.