Battery Equalization for Lead Acid Batteries
He Did It When No One Else Did
What sets Kunwer Sachdev apart is that he ventured into solving a problem before the industry even acknowledged it existed.
At a time when battery equalization was not even a discussion, Sachdev developed a complete system that actively balanced charging and discharging cycles—a first for lead acid batteries in the inverter domain. This wasn’t a borrowed idea or an industry trend; it was original, untested, and visionary—driven entirely by his instinct for innovation and deep understanding of real-world issues.
BROCHURE
The innovation wasn't just technical—it was also well-communicated. At the time, a brochure was released to explain the concept in simple yet powerful terms. Using relatable analogies like “Unbalanced tyres cost more in a car = Unequalized batteries cost more in an inverter”, it effectively educated customers and technicians alike.
The Problem: Uneven Battery Aging and Imbalance
During the early 2000s, inverter and UPS systems heavily relied on lead acid battery banks. However, users frequently experienced premature battery failures, even when using premium-grade batteries.
Sachdev personally encountered this problem while testing inverters at his own residence. He noticed that four high-quality batteries, despite being relatively new, were failing far earlier than expected. The culprit? The batteries had different ages and charge retention capabilities, leading to uneven charging and discharging cycles within the same bank.
Limitations in the Industry at the Time
At that point in time, the concept of battery equalization—ensuring that all batteries in a bank receive and deliver power uniformly—was virtually unknown in the inverter UPS segment. There were no existing tools or systems specifically designed to handle this challenge for lead acid batteries.
Most dealers and manufacturers accepted early battery failure as a cost of doing business. The lack of awareness and resistance to change posed a significant barrier to innovation.
The Breakthrough: Developing the BMS for Lead Acid Batteries
Driven by both personal experience and a vision for improved battery performance, Kunwer Sachdev and his team set out to develop a solution. The result was a Battery Management System tailored for lead acid batteries—something that had never been implemented in this sector before.
The BMS worked by actively monitoring and managing the charging and discharging process, ensuring that all batteries in a bank remained synchronized. This battery equalization significantly extended the overall lifespan of the battery system.
Initial Resistance and Scepticism
Introducing such a disruptive idea wasn’t easy. Many dealers—used to selling and replacing single batteries—were sceptical of the need for equalization. They questioned its relevance and feared it would complicate installation and servicing.
Despite this pushback, Sachdev remained confident in the system’s long-term benefits. He believed in solving real-world problems, not just following market trends.
Proven Success in Real-World Applications
Persistence paid off. The BMS was implemented successfully across a range of sectors, including:
- Golf carts
- Telecom towers
- Large-scale inverter banks
These applications validated the system’s value in diverse use-cases, showcasing its effectiveness beyond traditional inverter usage.
Legacy and Industry Impact
Kunwer Sachdev’s BMS solution not only solved a major technical hurdle but also influenced how the industry viewed battery health and lifecycle management. What began as a personal troubleshooting effort evolved into a foundational innovation that would later inspire advancements in modern battery management systems, including those used in lithium-ion technologies today.
Disclaimer
Mr. Kunwer Sachdev, the original founder and visionary behind Su-Kam, is no longer associated with Su-Kam Power Systems Ltd. He has not been involved in the management, operations, or decision-making of the company for several years. Any products, services, communications, or representations made under the Su-Kam name have no connection to Mr. Kunwer Sachdev. His current efforts are entirely focused on new innovations and ventures under different entities, including his latest initiative, Su-vastika, which is redefining the energy storage and power backup industry.