[RE-wrenches] Battery Automatic Watering

[Roy Butler]

Joel,

I was waiting to see if others use my method but I didn't see anyone 
post it.
I've been off grid and having to maintain my batteries since 1997. I grew to
hate the battery watering jugs for several reasons and finally came up with
something that works for me.....your results may vary!

I now use a pump up type garden sprayer. I use a 1.5 gallon version with a
plastic wand, spray tip removed. I pump it up 6-8 times and that pressure
allows me to fill 3 to 4 cells, depending on the volume of water needed.

What I like about this is that the wand reaches anywhere in the bank and
most important, I can watch the cells fill. I put a piece of electrical 
tape around
the wand and insert the wand into the cell to the tape level. This is my 
water
level and it's really easy to tell when the electrolyte reaches the end 
of the wand.

About 1/2 of my customers are off grid and most use the sprayer method with
good results.

BTW, this was a brand new sprayer, dedicated to distilled water and hidden
away from my wife, who loves to grab what ever is available in my shop. 
And at
least here in snow country, the sprayers are all on sale!

Roy Butler
NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer®
NYSERDA eligible PV & wind installer
PA Sunshine Program Approved PV Installer
Four Winds Renewable Energy, LLC
8902 Route 46
Arkport, NY 14807
607-324-9747

www.four-winds-energy.com

Although no trees were killed in the sending of this message, 
a large number of electrons were terribly inconvenienced.




Joel Davidson wrote:
> Wrenches,
>
> Thank you for your feedback that automatic watering is not automatic 
> or reliable. Valves can stick open (a flood) or shut (a dry cell) or 
> not seat properly (dripping that becomes a slow flood). I'll get a 2.5 
> quart watering can sold at auto parts stores - unless you all have a 
> better idea.
>
> Thanks again,
> Joel Davidson
>
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Joel Davidson" 
> <joel.davidson at sbcglobal.net>
> To: "RE-wrenches" <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>
> Sent: Wednesday, December 09, 2009 6:14 PM
> Subject: Battery Automatic Watering
>
>
>> Wrenches,
>>
>> We installed 48 each IBE 1-85N-15 cells (24 in series in 2 Direct 
>> Power & Water battery boxes). We do not want to use Hydrocaps. Your 
>> suggestions for an automatic watering system would be most 
>> appreciated. Thanks in advance.
>>
>> Happy Holidays.
>> Joel Davidson 
>
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