[RE-wrenches] Battery Automatic Watering

Mon Dec 14 06:57:47 PST 2009

I stopped using Hydro-caps after replacing the umpteenth set that had melted
down. During a conversation with Hydro-cap I was told that [& this was many
years ago] the bulk voltage was too high @ 28.8 VDC and I charge 24 volt
banks to 29.2 VDC and I should be using a lower setting and if I was to and
that I was going to EQ that I needed to remove the caps. I feel that this is
out of line and it did not agree with my battery suppliers requirement to
completely charge and maintain a properly maintained bank. I have thrown out
literally 100's of caps that have melted down over the years. 

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 Joel
Davidson
Sent: Sunday, December 13, 2009 7:18 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Battery Automatic Watering

You can get Hydrocaps direct from Hydrocap Corp., 975 N.W. 95 Street, Miami,
FL 33150, Tel 305-696-2504. I gave up trying to buy them after they returned
my check twice. They wanted more info about charge rates and battery
dimensions even though I filled out their order form and talked to them
twice. I think they were concerned because the Hydrocaps from the old set of
the same IBE cells did not fit on the new cells even though they were the
same model IBE cells. Instead, I'm getting a garden sprayer and will check
and fill the cells as needed. I'll check the cells every 2 months in the
first year and then determine the inspection frequency. The batteries are on
a Sunny Boy/Island grid-tie PV system so inspection will probably be 2 to 4
times per year after the first year.

Joel Davidson

----- Original Message ----- 

From: Allan Sindelar <mailto:allan at positiveenergysolar.com>  

To: RE-wrenches <mailto:re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>  

Sent: Sunday, December 13, 2009 2:01 PM

Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Battery Automatic Watering

One person's opinion, here...
Avoid Hydrocaps. You need to remove them to equalize. They can clog up and
plug the battery up, leading to an explosion from pressure. I have seen it.

<![endif]--> 

Allan Sindelar
 <mailto:Allan at positiveenergysolar.com> Allan at positiveenergysolar.com
NABCEP Certified Photovoltaic Installer
EE98J Journeyman Electrician
Positive Energy, Inc.
3201 Calle Marie
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87507
505 424-1112
 <http://www.positiveenergysolar.com/> www.positiveenergysolar.com

 <mailto:Windsun at wind-sun.com> Windsun at wind-sun.com wrote: 

Hydrocaps - they run around $30 each last I checked. We used to sell them
but gave up when lead times went from weeks to months.

............................................................................
......................
Northern Arizona Wind & Sun - Electricity From The Sun Since 1979
Solar Discussion Forum:  <http://www.wind-sun.com/ForumVB/>
http://www.wind-sun.com/ForumVB/
............................................................................
......................

----- Original Message ----- 

From:  <mailto:atruitt at gmail.com> Andrew Truitt 

To:  <mailto:re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org> RE-wrenches 

Sent: Sunday, December 13, 2009 1:07 PM

Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Battery Automatic Watering

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 <
<mailto:joel.davidson at sbcglobal.net> 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" <
<mailto:roy at four-winds-energy.com> roy at four-winds-energy.com> 

To: "RE-wrenches" < <mailto:re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>
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 InstallerR
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

 <http://www.four-winds-energy.com> 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" <
<mailto:joel.davidson at sbcglobal.net> joel.davidson at sbcglobal.net>
To: "RE-wrenches" < <mailto:re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>
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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