steaming batteries [RE-wrenches]

[Clive Wilkins, PowerSense]

Hi Kirk, Couple of things come to mind....
reverse connections
battery 6v formed in reverse ( factory fault )
string in question taking all the charge
bad batch of cells all in that string

Check out the warranty if they are only 6 mths old.

Clive Wilkinson
PowerSense
Dunnose Head Farm
Falkland Islands
Tel  00 500 42202
Fax 00 500 42203
powersense at horizon.co.fk
http://www.falklandwool.com/powersense
Supply and Installation of 24-hour power systems
----- Original Message -----
From: "Kirk Herander, VSE" <kirk at vtsolar.com>
To: <RE-wrenches at topica.com>
Sent: Tuesday, September 02, 2003 3:29 PM
Subject: steaming batteries [RE-wrenches]


> Group,
> I got a service call from a customer. He has -12- 6 volt T105 batteries
> wired in 3 sets of 4 to obtain 24 volts @ 660 ahr total. The batteries are
> charged by a SW4024 and a Kohler 10RY (10 kw) generator. He told me one of
> the three strings needed water every day because they would immediately
boil
> during battery charging.
>
> When I arrived the generator was on, and the string in question was
> literally steaming, while the other two strings appeared to charge
normally,
> with overall battery voltage at 28.8 volts. The fumes were overwhelming. I
> shut down the system and an hour later the batteries were still boiling
and
> super hot. I was able to safely disconnect the string. I expected to find
> one or more shorted cells, but the 4 batteries all measured a normal
voltage
> of 6.3 volts. I found no evidence of any type of short in the cabling. The
> inverter to battery cables were wired properly in an "opposite corner"
> config to create a uniform resistance. The battery bank is roughly 6 mos
old
> and there were no problems until this. Any theories on the cause would be
> most appreciated.
>
> Kirk
>
>
> Vermont Solar Engineering
> a Xantrex / Trace Certified Dealer Charter Member
> Kirk Herander
> PO Box 697
> Burlington, VT. 05402
> www.vermontsolar.com
> www.backeastsolar.com
> 800.286.1252 - 802.863.1202
> fax 802.863.7908
>
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