[RE-wrenches] Two sealed battery questions, please

[jay peltz]

HI Allan,

As to the old batteries, They are worth what it will cost to move, install and remove when they die in short order.
To me only worth it for a DYI.

As to the other part of your question.
I'd take the GP's any day.

Why? 
no cables to buy/make
can replace individual cells if needed.
longer warranty
smaller installed space, no case needed.
and while I can't prove it probably a better battery


jay

peltz power




On Nov 12, 2012, at 1:55 PM, Allan Sindelar wrote:

> Wrenches:
> First question: for a large grid-tied with battery backup system (9.8 kW array, two SB5000s, dual Sunny Islands), we have offered the customer the choice of either one 48V string of 24 2V Concorde SunXtender PVX-121HT, for 1,200 A/hr, or a set of Absolyte GP 100G23s, for 1,260 A/hr (at the 20 hour rate), the closest match. The prices, surprisingly, are quite close - the Absolytes are a bit less expensive, given the additional cost of battery enclosures and labor for the Concordes. I have avoided recommending one or the other on the basis of battery service life, as we haven't enough experience with the Absolytes. The question: which of these battery options would you recommend to the customer, and why?
> 
> Second question: Four years ago, well before we got involved, the customer purchased a 24V set of used Absolyte IIP telecom batteries and we agreed to incorporate them into this system. I contacted Direct Power on their behalf to inquire about obtaining a second 24V set of batteries to add to their set of 3-100A33s to make a 48V bank. I learned that they have no more of these sets in stock and have no firm expectation at present of getting any more. I had asked here about finding a set and about mixing new with old but received no responses.
> 
> We will be going with a new set of batteries, either Absolyte or Concorde. This leaves the old set up for resale. But in the process we learned via the date codes that the customer's set was eight years old when he got them, and have been in their possession unused in a barn since then. See below for the customer's description of them. The question: what is the expected remaining life of these 12 year old cells, assuming the best - that they were left fully charged and in float for eight years and seldom if ever cycled? What might they be worth today, if anything?
> 
> Thank you,
> Allan
> 
> 
> -------- Original Message --------
> 
> Hi Allan,
> Here is that note regarding batteries. I have 4 Absolyte batteries manufactured in 2000, model # 589 508  kkc 7667,7668,7670,7674. They have been used for back up in the telecommunication field. I have owned them since 2008 and they have been float-charged on a monthly basis to keep them topped-up. I think their condition is good--- although I have not load-tested them. They were purchased for a project that is no longer in play and so I would like to pass them along.
> Ted
> 
>