Hydrocaps for IBE cells [RE-wrenches]

[Matt Tritt]

Gary,

How old are the caps? Hydrocaps need to be replaced every few years
since the catalyst gets used-up and stops functioning.

Matt T



-----Original Message-----
From: Gary Higbee [mailto:gary at windstreamsolar.com] 
Sent: Friday, February 20, 2004 3:26 PM
To: RE-wrenches at topica.com
Subject: Hydrocaps for IBE cells [RE-wrenches]


Wrenches,

I'm working with a client (on a system I did not install) who has Water
Miser caps on the IBE metal-clad 2-volt cells (I think around 1300Ah).
We're seeing a lot of water loss (and pooling on top of the cells). I'm
wondering if Hydrocaps are an idea or if this (only) 5-year old bank is
about done for.

I spoke with the folks who make the caps, and was sent a sheet with a
bunch of details to provide so they could be made. I would think there'd
be a standard part number for these, though.

Three questions:

1) The fact that we're seeing higher water loss and reduced battery
capacity suggests we're nearing the end of the life of these cells. Yes?
Any suggestions to hang in there a bit longer? The cells were not
equalized for several years, though the client is now doing so.

2) Regardless, have any of you used Hydrocaps on IBE cells? Where did
you get them?

3) Comments?

Thank you!

Gary

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
                     ~ Windstream Solar ~
     Gary Higbee  (gary at windstreamsolar.com)
                     (541 ) 607-1818 (Eugene)
                        (541) 954-3881 (Cell)
Solar, wind, and hydro site analysis and system design
    Components dealer and installation assistance
 Energy Trust of Oregon contracted system inspector
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

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