Battery choice: one string or two? [RE-wrenches]

[Matt Tritt]

Allan,

We all have our personal favorites, but given the chance, I would go
with a single string of single cell, steel clad IBE 85N-23 1150 AH
batteries. At slightly over 170 lbs per they actually ARE faily easily
handled by two guys and a good dolly - even in a basement. Having steel
cases definitely saves potential damage to the cells (but watch out for
your toes and good floors) The downside is the greater cost and greater
number of series connections. 5 year warranty is standard.

Matt T

-----Original Message-----
From: Allan Sindelar [mailto:allan at positiveenergysolar.com] 
Sent: Wednesday, October 08, 2003 4:07 PM
To: New wrenches posting
Subject: Battery choice: one string or two? [RE-wrenches]


Respected Wrenches,

We have a good offgrid client who is replacing a 6-year old set of 20
golf carts (before our time) in an old 24V system, now upgraded with
FX2024 and SB50. We have impressed upon him the value of industrial
cells, fewer strings, etc. Our industrial battery of choice is the
Rolls-Surrette because of their good reputation and our close
relationship with Dankoff as a supplier (good support, free shipping
etc.).

The client is happy with the same overall capacity of 1100 amphours @ 20
hour rate. We have narrowed down to two choices: The 4-KS-21PS, 1104
Ahrs, 2 cells/case & 267 lbs., 6 units, 24 3/4" height; one series
string. The 6-CS-17PS, 546 Ahrs, 3 cells/case & 221 lbs., 8 units, 18
1/4" height; two series strings.

Cost is close to the same for each choice. At under 300 lbs., both are
heavy but maneuverable (into a basement). Both require that a new
battery box be built. Both have the same 3/10 year warranty and
projected cycle life.

Which choice would you recommend, and why? I will share your responses
with the client, who has already confirmed that they will abide by our
resultant recommendation. (psst--I prefer one string, but would like
other opinions, especially those who've been doin' it long enuf to see
the results).

Thanks for any contributions.

Allan at Positive Energy

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