[RE-wrenches] Testing new batteries

[Dana]

HUP Solar One batteries recommend topping off the
electrolyte and doing an initial EQ cycle prior to use. We
always check SG and voltage/cell on arrival and to date
never had any discrepancy on either.

 

Additionally we unbolt all connections, polish with a copper
pipe wire brush all connecting surfaces [with a respirator
on] re-bolt, check voltage & SG, then coat with Vaseline all
connecting surfaces.

 

So, total we check volt per cell and SG twice. Considering
that this bank will be in place for 16-20 years it is a good
place to start. Do it once and do it correctly. This serves
as a good baseline. 

 

I have mentioned this before but we only use a refractometer
for checking specific gravity anymore the accuracy is dead
on and not subject to sticking floats and curvature of the
electrolyte in the hydrometer.  Refractometers are $85-$100
each from a good plumbing wholesale house.

 

Dana Orzel

Great Solar Works, Inc

E - dana at solarwork.com

V - 970.626.5253

F - 970.626.4140

C - 970.209.4076

web - www.solarwork.com

 

"Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"

Do not ever believe anything, but seriously trust through
action.

 

From: re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf
Of Nick Soleil
Sent: Thursday, March 24, 2011 11:20 AM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Testing new batteries

 

Hi Benn:
    Perhaps those batteries have just been sitting a little
while, and need a recharge.  Generally speaking, if you find
that the batteries test reading are a little low, they are
probably just a little discharged.  After recharging the
batteries, test them again.  If those readings are low, then
contact the manufacturer with the data.  I have had great
luck with battery manufacturers warranting their defective
batteries in warranty.

 

Nick Soleil
Project Manager
Advanced Alternative Energy Solutions, LLC
PO Box 657
Petaluma, CA 94953
Cell: 707-321-2937
Office: 707-789-9537
Fax: 707-769-9037

 

 

  _____  

From: benn kilburn <benn at daystarsolar.ca>
To: Wrenches <re-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org>
Sent: Thu, March 24, 2011 9:43:20 AM
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Testing new batteries

I'm curious of others experiences with testing "new"
batteries right from the mfgr, before putting them into
service.  I'm not talking about load testing, i mean just
basics...voltage, specific gravity and electrolyte level.

 

I recently received some batteries (24 x 2V) and before
putting them to work i tested all the voltages, SG's and
levels.  Voltages were all with-in 0.016 V (2.1-2.084).  The
SG's were within 0.037 (1.281-1.244).  Yes, the one with the
lowest SG also had the lowest V.  

 

What concerns me a bit more than the few cells with lower SG
is the consistent low levels of electrolyte.  All cells were
between 3/4" and 1-1/2" below full, which is 1/4" below the
bottom of the vent well tube.... with one exception that was
bang-on full.  Interestingly, the one full battery was the
only one with a different date code than the rest. 

 

Should the various levels of electrolyte mentioned be
acceptable when a battery is brand new, straight from the
mfgr?  How bout the SG's?

 

I'm considering adding electrolyte from a local battery shop
instead of distilled water to top up all the batteries.
Comments?

 

Very thankful for the wealth of knowledge and experience on
this list,

benn

DayStar Renewable Energy Inc. 

benn at daystarsolar.ca

780-906-7807 

HAVE A SUNNY DAY 

 

 

 

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