[RE-wrenches] Ni-Fe batteries

[bob ellison]

I have a bunch of them but have never had enough solar to even think about
hooking them up. Efficiency is a problem as is the unusual voltage they run
at, It just seems strange running an odd number of cells. 

The Classic will handle it well but I am getting to the point where I want
things to go as smoothly as possible, after 20+ years experimenting is
getting tiring.

 

Have a great day,

Bob Ellison

 

From: re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Larry
Crutcher, Starlight Solar Power Systems
Sent: Wednesday, September 26, 2012 7:58 AM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Ni-Fe batteries

 

Forever? Well, at least Edison thought they should last 100 years. As
mentioned by others, inefficiency is an impairing factor in an RE system.
However, due to the all time low cost for PV solar modules, these batteries
can actually be a viable option. If you have the space for 40% more PV power
and you have a customer willing to keep the batteries filled, the Ni-Fe
battery could be the last battery they will ever buy. Imagine the grand-kids
inheriting the battery bank.

 

Of course, there are many other details for you to study and understand
before diving in; don't compare these to lead acid. I have about 25 that of
these that are many years old that I bought for experimenting. I have also
read about an 85 year old bank that was made useable again by Peter DeMar.


Larry Crutcher

Starlight Solar Power Systems

 





 

On Sep 25, 2012, at 11:19 AM, Jonathan Hill wrote:

 

Anyone know anything about Nickel-Iron Batteries? We sold some many years
ago but our supplier stopped carrying them. I have a client with a fairly
large bank of Hawker industrial batteries; 2100ah @ 48v. He is asking about
replacing them with Ni-Fe as he has heard that they will last virtually
forever, or at least longer than he might. Any thoughts on this? Also, any
suggestions of good suppliers? Thanks.

Jonathan Hill, senior system engineer and founder 

Sierra Solar Systems

563C Idaho Maryland Road

Grass Valley, CA 95945

Celebrating our 32nd year in solar!

tech info and foreign orders:  (530) 273-6754 

order line: (888) ON-SOLAR (US only)   FAX:  (530) 273-1760

e-mail:  <mailto:solarjon at sierrasolar.com>

world wide web:  <http://www.sierrasolar.com <http://www.sierrasolar.com/> >

 

 

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