[RE-wrenches] To insulate a battery bank

[Joel Davidson]

I recommend insulation. In general, operating temperature is very important. Batteries last longer if kept cool. However, a battery below 60 degrees F (15.5 C) has reduced capacity. Temperatures above 77 F (25 C) increase capacity only slightly but they significantly reduce battery life. Batteries operating regularly above 85 F (29.4 C) lose have their operating life.
Joel Davidson
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: bob ellison 
  To: 'RE-wrenches' 
  Sent: Friday, December 10, 2010 3:32 AM
  Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] To insulate a battery bank


  With the amount of lead in a battery bank it changes temperature very slowly. Both gaining and losing heat is a very slow process.

  I have never insulated battery banks, if in a cold area like here we size them larger for the slower reaction time in the winter anyway. Part of the reason being that I would bet that the acid would raise hell with the insulation! 

  We regularly see battery banks that are 40 degrees or so it presents no problem.

  If the exhaust fan is running in a 70 degree building all it does is draw the warm air over the top of the battery and not really warm them much anyway, in an unheated building it will probably not make much difference.

  The only way that I would put insulation in an unheated battery box is on the outside of the plywood, away from the acid and gasses. I would also make it removable in the summer.

   


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