[RE-wrenches] Strings and series of batteries

[Dana]

On a similar subject here -

 

Long ago, I had a Trojan battery rep. state that they did not like to see
more than [12] L-16s in a series -parallel bank system. This was due to too
many points of connection  /  resistance and bad communication due to
multiple flow paths.

 

Has anyone else heard similar or contrary information/recommendations?

 

Thanks

 

 

Dana Orzel

 

Great Solar Works, Inc

www.solarwork.com

E - dana at solarwork.com

V - 970.626.5253

F - 970.626.4140

C - 970.209.4076

 

I will be the shift in how the world uses power! - Dana Orzel

 

From: re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Larry
Crutcher, Starlight Solar
Sent: Tuesday, December 01, 2009 10:42 AM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] concord batteries, EQUALIZE Them!

 

If the 180 watt panel will provide enough current to run the recovery
process, then give it a try. What I expect is that your current will vary
throughout the day. Not sure if this is a critical point or if it will just
prolong the process. Pay attention to the temperature. I use a laser temp
probe on the terminals every 30 minutes to verify.

 

Another thing to monitor is the current. It will probably start very low and
build over time due to high resistance from sulfated plates. During this
time the voltage might get really high and then lower some. Don't worry
about the voltage. After a while the current will begin to drop. This means
the recovery process is working. 

 

I just realized that this battery bank must be 4 in series and ten parallel
strings. This is a horrible design that can never work right without
extensive monthly maintenance. The strings with higher resistance will not
be charged properly. Because of this, many strings will be undercharged
every day. EVERY day! So even if you recover these batteries, someone will
need to test and equalize at least every month. I really want to stress this
point as multiple parallel batteries are the ruin and waste of many
thousands of tons of batteries each year. I never design for more than two
strings in parallel. Do this and be happy.

 

Larry Crutcher

www.starlightsolar.com

larry at starlightsolar.com

(928) 941-1660

 

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