If you want to charge a nickel zinc battery, you must reconfigure the UPS rectifier or DC power supply system, strictly implement the charging strategy of constant current and constant voltage (CC-CV), and accurately lock the target voltage of a single battery at 15.20V. The charging cycle usually starts from the constant current phase. If it is for standard balance maintenance, I recommend setting it to 0.3C (about 11.4A); but if you encounter a scenario where you need to quickly restore capacity, you can also push it to the maximum 1C(38A) Fast charge rate.
Here is a technical detail that must be noted: this NiZn battery is different from the 12V lead-acid battery, its operational voltage range is higher than lead-acid. While the resting Open Circuit Voltage (OCV) is ≥14V, the charging infrastructure must be capable of reaching a charging threshold of ≥ 14.40V to effective drive current into the battery. Therefore, the absorption (boost) voltage must be set to 15.20V. However, once the battery is fully charged and balanced, the system must transition to a ‘Float’ voltage (14.8V) or enter a rest mode to prevent long-term overvoltage damage.
When exploring how to charge NiZn batteries in an industrial environment, the most critical step is to configure the charging curve. Unlike the chemically simple cells, the NiZn battery requires very precise CC-CV control. You must program the UPS rectifier or DC power system to ensure that it seamlessly transitions from current regulation mode to voltage regulation mode. The target voltage here is non-negotiable: it must be 15.20V at 25°C. Setting the correct voltage is the key to fully charge without damaging the internal chemicals. A slight deviation in this voltage target often results in either long-term system dissatisfaction or potential overvoltage failure-both of which we do not want to see on site.
Having worked out the voltage, understanding the current input is the second stage of effective charging. The charging current directly determines the speed of capacity recovery and the thermal management pressure of the battery. We usually have two main options:
●Standard balanced charging (0.3C): For daily maintenance and maintaining the best health of the battery, I personally strongly recommend using a current of about 11.4A(0.3C). This rate makes the internal chemical reaction more stable.
●Fast charging (1C): Of course, in mission-critical data center scenarios, these batteries can withstand a maximum charging rate of 1C(38A) if capacity must be restored immediately after a discharge event.
Author : Caleb
“I am the BMS Project Manager at Gerchamp. With nine years of experience in the electrical and battery industries, I specialize in critical data center power solutions. I have led teams in executing large-scale BMS installations for major domestic and international clients, including Alibaba, ensuring the safe integration and precise management of advanced battery power systems.”
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