Understanding Hydrogen Ventilation
Battery rooms require adequate ventilation to disperse hydrogen gas produced during charging. The EN 50272-2 Standard provides the methodology for calculating these requirements.
The Ventilation Formula
The key formula is:
Q = v × q × s × n × Igas × Cn / 100
Where:
- Q = Ventilation air flow (m³/h)
- v = Hydrogen dilution factor (typically 24)
- q = Hydrogen release rate (0.42 × 10⁻³ m³/Ah)
- s = Safety factor (typically 5)
- n = Number of cells
- Igas = Current producing gas (A/Ah)
- Cn = Battery capacity (Ah)
Igas Values for Lead-Acid Batteries
Per EN 50272-2, the Igas values are:
Vented Lead-Acid
- Float charge: 0.005 A/Ah
- Boost charge: 0.02 A/Ah
VRLA (Valve Regulated)
- Float charge: 0.001 A/Ah
- Boost charge: 0.008 A/Ah
Use Our Free Calculator
We provide a free hydrogen venting calculator that supports VRLA, vented lead-acid, and NiCd battery types across float and boost charging scenarios.
Visit our Tools page to access the calculator and ensure your battery room meets ventilation requirements.