[RE-wrenches] Refractometer vs Hydrometer?

[Warren Lauzon]

I am inclined to agree with that. We are in the process of revising our 
recommendations on equalizing. It perhaps made sense to do so every month or 
so 20 years ago, but I am wondering if that really is a good idea with the 
current state of battery chargers and controllers.

..................................................................................................
Northern Arizona Wind & Sun - Electricity From The Sun Since 1979
Solar Discussion Forum: http://www.wind-sun.com/ForumVB/
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----- Original Message ----- 
From: "R Ray Walters" <ray at solarray.com>
To: <dave at independentpowerllc.com>; "RE-wrenches" 
<re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>
Sent: Saturday, February 13, 2010 2:42 PM
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Refractometer vs Hydrometer?


> Sounds like:
> C) I no longer recommend monthly EQing, but I think its a good idea when 
> either the bank has not reached full charge for several weeks, or battery 
> voltages, string currents, or specific gravity readings indicate EQing is 
> necessary. New controllers with temp compensation, PWM, and 3 stage 
> charging take much better care of the batteries. Monthly EQing IMHO is a 
> relic from the C30 days, and now results in unnecessary over heating and 
> over watering.
>
> Are these perhaps a Rolls L 16?
>
> R. Walters
> ray at solarray.com
> Solar Engineer
>
>
>
>
> On Feb 13, 2010, at 10:14 AM, dave at independentpowerllc.com wrote:
>
>> Dan,
>> You are on the right track. I've been off the Desulphators for years 
>> because I had so many systems without them that were lasting years longer 
>> than predicted between battery swap outs. I don't know about 
>> refractometer vs hydrometer. I use and trust a "glass in glass" 
>> hydrometer.
>>
>> Are these bats Trojan L-16's?
>> 4 strings of L-16's @ 48v seems like (32) bats. Is that correct. That 
>> doesn't sound right.
>>
>> In general. Battery Charge rates of between C-10 to C-20 for PV. And with 
>> an engine generator C-8 to C-12. Limit parallel strings to two (three at 
>> most in rare cases). All battery charging needs good control, proper 
>> settings, temperature comp, and somebody who understands how it all works 
>> to teach the homeowner and be there to answer questions.
>>
>> We teach the proper use of the hydrometer as a tool that confirms actual 
>> battery condition. We strongly recommend that batteries are fully 
>> recharged at least every week to ten days. Fully recharged means (for me) 
>> that the voltage has gotten up to 59 volts (48v system) and stayed there 
>> for a minimum of two hours (confirm effectiveness of time and battery 
>> charge level with TriMetric meter amp function here, should have tapered 
>> down below 12 amps on a typical 48v battery bank with voltage still at 
>> absorb level (59), can confirm more definitively with a hydrometer here). 
>> Of course individual systems, and battery types, vary. Properly 
>> programmed, and understood, TriMetric monitoring is very useful here. Use 
>> hydrometer to check on how this is all working out for the system. 
>> Frequency of hydrometer use varies with owner's experience level and 
>> system age. Check for all cells to be charged and within 15 basis points, 
>> highest to lowest, to be confirmed as fully charged.
>>
>> I find that a TriMetric monitor helps with the teaching and 
>> troubleshooting process. Different end users understand it and learn how 
>> to use it with varying degrees of success. Helps in a high percentage of 
>> our off-grid systems.
>>
>>
>> Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: dan at foxfire-energy.com
>> Date: Sat, 13 Feb 2010 06:04:03
>> To: RE-wrenches<re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>
>> Subject: [RE-wrenches] Refractometer vs Hydrometer?
>>
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