[RE-wrenches] cycling flooded batteries is not necessary

[Howie Michaelson]

Todd,

If in fact one was only equalizing in a grid-tied float service, do you
have a clear sense of how often or under what criteria equalizing would be
indicated?

Howie
-- 
Howie Michaelson
NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer™

Catamount Solar, LLC
Renewable Energy Systems Sales and Service
VT Solar Electric & Hot Water Incentive Partner
http://www.CatamountSolar.com
802-272-0004


On Tue, February 21, 2012 12:44 pm, toddcory at finestplanet.com wrote:
>
> the two battery manufacturers say that cycling of floated batteries is
> 100% unnecessary.
>
> equalizing is still important to prevent stratification of the
> electrolyte... but equalizing and cycling are different things.
>
> todd
>
>
>
> On Tuesday, February 21, 2012 6:33am, "Drake"
> <drake.chamberlin at redwoodalliance.org> said:
>
>
> In my experience, at least my batteries need to be cycled.  Here is the
> data.
>
>  AC coupled backup system.  The batteries are usually only supplying the
> inverter controls, with the pair of Outback 3524 inverters connected but
> turned off at the Mate.  80 watts of pv is used for a battery maintainer.
>  The 2160 W of PV usually goes straight to the grid, and is switched over
> when needed.
>
>  The batteries will remain essentially dormant with self discharge and
> control power somewhat balanced by a trickle charge coming from the small
> sub array.  The batteries hold around 25.2 volts over night.  When they
> drop to 25 or 24.8, I charge and often equalize them.
>
>  Just equalizing will not make them hold at 25.2 V again.  Even back to
> back equalization will not keep the battery V from dropping to 25 almost
> immediately.  If I switch to off grid mode for a night to cycle the
> batteries and then bulk charge them,  they will hold the 25.2 V again.
>
>  I think cycling really is needed to mix up the acid.
>
>  Drake
>
>
>
>
> Sent from Finest Planet WebMail.
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