[RE-wrenches] Interstate UL-16 HC problem

[Dave Palumbo]

Bob,

 

Sulfation, I'd say. Try EDTA. Trailhead Supply. See Home Power marketplace
ad for contact info. 

If it's not sulfation then maybe it's simply diluted electrolyte(accidental,
or intentional) which would make the batteries have lower performance AH
wise but should last a long time (plates hold up better in a less acidic
solution). Years ago I received some Hoppecke lead acid batteries direct
from Germany to make good on a bad batch of NiCADS. The Hoppecke LA's
intentionally have a max SG of 1.240. Very big cells (330lbs for a 2v cell)
and evidently have a very long life, as I am using them still in my
barn/shop 16 years later and they act like new despite a pathetically low
charge rate. These cells are rated at 2,000 AH @ 100h rate.  I am charging
them with 35 amps of PV with the occasional 75 amp charge when the gen is
on. 

 

I have never heard much good said concerning Interstate deep cycle
batteries. 

 

Dave

 

From: re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of bob
Sent: Tuesday, June 29, 2010 6:53 AM
To: 'RE-wrenches'
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Interstate UL-16 HC problem

 

I have 2 systems that I am trying to correct that another local dealer has
installed.

This one is 2 strings of (8) UL-16 HC Interstate Batteries, 16 batteries
total.

We cannot get the batteries to charge over 1.225 despite discharging them
and generator charging them till everything shut down.

This is a 48 volt system with a Magnum 4448 inverter.

He also has (6) 175 watt Solar World panels on a manual tracker. (spends all
day tracking the sun) He is adding 2 more this summer. The controller is an
MX-60.

I have moved the Magnums settings to 1600 AH battery bank size to allow for
the inverter to have a longer absorb time to help it finish charging and get
to a full battery.

It's not working; we have 1 cell at 1.240 and the rest at 1.225.

 

These have not been cycled hard if at all, I am going to suggest that he
cycle them several more times to see if anything improves after that

 

The other system has the same problem with a different inverter! So it's not
inverter related, but I am at a loss. 

I have not used Interstates before and want to stay away from them in the
future.

 

Any other suggestions?

 

Thanks,

Bob Ellison

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