Hydrocaps for IBE cells [RE-wrenches]

[Bob Maynard, Energy Outfitters]

Gary,

We often hear from people this time of year about their reduced battery capacity.  If the batteries are in an unheated area, the effects of cold temperature seems to magnify the problem of aging batteries and their performance.  I was using industrial 2 volt cells when I lived in the Illinois River Canyon.  After 6-7 years use I noticed every winter about this time their performance made me think it was time to replace.  Come warmer weather all was well again.  I left there 5 years ago and the batteries are still in use and performing the same way!  This might be part of what you're seeing.

Regards,
Bob Maynard
Energy Outfitters

-----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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