[RE-wrenches] Battery Automatic Watering

[Andrew Truitt]

Has anyone ever used the recombination caps that combine the released
hydrogen with oxygen and return the pure water to the cells?  I am
considering them for a large ([98] 2200Ah Surrettes) battery system that we
installed a while ago, but I think they run about $200 a piece.


Andrew Truitt
Standard Solar Inc.



On Sat, Dec 12, 2009 at 1:33 PM, Joel Davidson
<joel.davidson at sbcglobal.net>wrote:

> Than you Roy, Jay, Jeff, and ...
>
> I'm glad I checked my email before going to Pep Boys to buy an automotive
> battery filler. Great idea! I've been buying and selling batteries for over
> 35 years and this is the first time I've heard about using a garden sprayer
> to fill batteries. The RE-Wrenches knowledge base scores again!
>
> Happy Holidays.
> Joel Davidson
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Roy Butler" <roy at four-winds-energy.com
> >
>
> To: "RE-wrenches" <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>
> Sent: Saturday, December 12, 2009 5:50 AM
>
> Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Battery Automatic Watering
>
>
> 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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-- 
"Don't get me wrong: I love nuclear energy! It's just that I prefer fusion
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