[RE-wrenches] Battery Automatic Watering

[R Ray Walters]

We just came up with what we think is the best solution so far for battery watering: we took the the pressurized sprayer idea (thank you wrenches) and hooked it up to one of those onry BFS filling caps.
The result was a manual watering system with an idiot proof back up. JUst put the cap in, start filling, then it shuts off when its full, move to the next cell. 
Totally automatic is a disaster waiting to happen (a we stated) but manual watering is a drag too. This seems to be the best of both worlds. Its still a chore, but not as bad.

R. Walters
ray at solarray.com
Solar Engineer




On Dec 21, 2009, at 4:06 PM, Kelly Keilwitz, Whidbey Sun & Wind wrote:

> All,
> I'm a little late on this thread, but wanted to give some contrary
> experience. We have, maybe, 15 BFS watering systems out there, dating back 5
> to 6 years. Although I've experienced some issues in getting watering
> systems set up properly, once they are set I haven't seen a problem develop.
> 
> Important issues include:
> - Proper size float must be specified for the battery reservoir size. For
> larger batteries, especially. If the float is too short it will not shut off
> soon enough, or allow enough headroom for expansion.
> - The caps must be carefully tightened, but not too much, as it can be
> turned past the simple threads (and then be looser).
> - Make sure when installing the tubing that the cap does not loosen. The
> base of the cap swivels from the top, but not easily.
> - We use the garden sprayer method, connected to the system. However, for
> obvious reasons, we don't recommend leaving it connected. We use an in-line
> flow wheel to gauge when the batteries are reaching capacity, stop pumping,
> then disconnect. We use a quick coupling disconnect.
> - It's important to balance the flow layout, especially with large battery
> banks. Otherwise, the first cells in line can see higher flow/pressures than
> the last cells in line, and it can be difficult to fill evenly.
> 
> Overall, I believe that the benefits of having a battery filling system
> outweigh the potential problems. As few of our battery systems customers can
> be said to be enthusiastically, and regularly, engaged with their batteries,
> I think that a properly working watering system is good insurance toward a
> healthy bank, and happy customers.
> 
> Kelly Keilwitz, P.E.
> Whidbey Sun & Wind, LLC
> Renewable Energy Systems
> NABCEP Certified PV Installer
> 987 Wanamaker Rd, 
> Coupeville, WA 98239
> PH & FAX 360-678-7131
> sunwind at whidbeysunwind.com
> 
> 
> On 12/9/09 7:06 PM, "R Ray Walters" <ray at solarray.com> wrote:
> 
>> I have to highly recommend against Battery FIlling Systems. After 3 years
>> trying to make their products work, we are pulling all watering systems out,
>> and offering full refunds.
>> Some of the caps leaked at only 1 psi of pressure, some overfilled the
>> batteries causing acid spills, and the worst: some caps never filled at all,
>> leaving some cells under filled.
>> Repeated calls to their main contact Rob Source at Battery Filling Systems
>> have gone unanswered.
>> We're back to manual filling as we just haven't found anything reliable enough
>> to deal with this extremely important task.
>> Of 10 service call backs, 8 were problems with BFS products. (and we only made
>> a couple of bucks per cell in the first place....)
>> Please avoid this product like the plague!
>> 
>> R. Walters
>> ray at solarray.com
>> Solar Engineer
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> On Dec 9, 2009, at 7:14 PM, Joel Davidson wrote:
>> 
>>> 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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