HUP batteries [RE-wrenches]

[Randy Brooks]

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Drake,

We've installed one system with the HuP Solar One battery.  We did  
not ground the steel case.  We put the battery in an insulated and  
vented plywood battery box (see www.brookssolar.com/news/ 
CarrwindPV.htm for a photo).  The box serves as the terminal for  
conduit.  We left the metal lids on to protect against accidental  
shorts when the box is open.  We also used an automatic watering  
system to reduce the time required for that chore.  The inspector did  
not have a concern about the battery installation.

The HuP was purchased to get a large amp hour battery without the  
labor and potential failures of multiple strings and numerous  
interconnects.  However, we had to disassemble the battery to clean  
each cell and each case after shipment, so there was still  
considerable labor involved.  I'm glad we did take the time to clean  
it.  There was a lot of acidic moisture inside the cases.  It's also  
easier to move and install the battery one cell at at time, although  
the cells still weight 130 lbs each.  The battery comes with a  
lifting strap to move cells.  A 2X4 through the strap allows two  
people to lift a cell safely.  Still a grunt though.

Good luck,

Randy Brooks
Brooks Solar, Inc.
Solar Power for People
140 Columbia View
Chelan, WA  98816
509-682-9646
info at BrooksSolar.com
www.BrooksSolar.com

On Feb 26, 2007, at 5:52 PM, Drake Chamberlin wrote:

>
> I have a possible install with a pair of 12 volt HUP Solar 1  
> batteries to be wired in series.  They don't look like they are  
> particularly designed for a solar installation.
>
> They weigh about 1750 pounds apiece, and and come integrally  
> installed in metal cases.  The metal cases have hinged metal lids.
>
> There is little good access to run conduits to the cases, as the  
> only openings are oblong holes.  The metal cases are very thick,  
> and the battery terminals are very close to the heavy metal.
>
> My question is how can these be safely and code compliantly installed.
>
> To be code compliant, the metal certainly should be grounded, but  
> this would create a hazard due to the fact that all of the  
> terminals would be close to the case, which would become a giant  
> negative terminal.  The large batteries have a tremendous amount of  
> punch.
>
> Should the entire "battery" be put in a large plywood box, with the  
> metal battery covers removed?  Should the metal cases be carefully  
> isolated from ground?  What methods have been successfully tried?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Drake
>
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