[RE-wrenches] Frozen T-105s

[Ray Walters]

Basically I would try to save the batteries and sell this guy what he 
really needs: a better system.
Obviously there is no LVD, and so this whole sad story of 8 v out of 
48v, and frozen electrolyte (more like just water).
He needs a real inverter/ charger and put all his loads on AC or at 
least get an LVD on the DC loads.
Then once you've solved the root cause, you talk batteries as a phase 2.
I've seen frozen batteries recover.  First thaw with some kind of 
heater, and then get them charged back up.
This is a 120% over discharge, and the battery will be damaged very 
quickly if not recharged.
They are recoverable, but lost some life.  Now the clock is ticking.
  He should be able to limp these along and start saving for a new set 
before next winter.
And you will have another loyal customer.

R.Ray Walters
CTO, Solarray, Inc
Nabcep Certified PV Installer,
Licensed Master Electrician
Solar Design Engineer
303 505-8760

On 12/3/2015 10:00 PM, frenergy wrote:
> Larry, et al.
>
>         Yes, good point< I should have mentioned the batteries are 
> only 1 1/2 years old.  There are many of the first time homeowner 
> mistakes going on here...not a good site for winter sun due to tree 
> shade, batteries in cold environment, didn't mention a recently 
> sporadically working CC, etc. Its the whole enchilada.
>
>         Though I just met the customer he's a nice guy, burned by the 
> first dealer and very un-solar-educated.  I want to help him but he 
> has very few funds.  After a thorough thaw, we thought we would "test" 
> 2 batts on a car trickle charger (his friends' house) to see if/how 
> they respond.  I've been training him on monitoring temps, 
> electrolyte, keeping the amps low for the first many hours and 
> watching, documenting voltage.  If he wants to spend his time doing 
> this to see if some life can be scratched out of all that sulphation, 
> I'm willing to mentor him...for now.
>
>         I know we been in this discussion before but the frozen cells 
> were a new twist for me.  Thanks you guys,
>
> Bill
>
>
> On 12/3/2015 5:32 PM, Starlight Solar Power Systems wrote:
>> Hi Bill,
>>
>> You did not mention the age but I would bet that the batteries have 
>> more of a problem from being deficit charged since the owner has no 
>> alternative charge source. So many DIY systems are poorly designed 
>> and usually underpowered. We see T-105’s murdered in just 2-3 years. 
>> Top that off with the likely damage from the big freeze event and I 
>> would condemn the bank.
>>
>> Larry Crutcher
>> Starlight Solar Power Systems
>>
>>
>> On Dec 3, 2015, at 7:00 AM, Feather River Solar Electric 
>> <info at frenergy.net <mailto:info at frenergy.net>> wrote:
>>
>> Hey Folks,
>>
>>         I came across an off-gridder yesterday whom was getting zero 
>> support from the dealer he had purchased his small system from, self 
>> installed, batteries in a lightly insulated box outside.  When I 
>> inspected the electrolyte levels I discovered it was frozen in some 
>> cells, the voltage of the 48 volt pack was ~8 volts, I didn't check 
>> individual batteries due to these facts...I'd seen "enough".  
>> Recently temps have been in the high teens, though we are back up to 
>> low 30's.
>>
>>         He does not have a genny or battery charger! I have a DC 
>> genny which I could use to charge these batteries but should I waste 
>> my time and his money trying to save them?  Others' experience with 
>> this situation?
>>
>> TIA,
>>
>> Bill
>> <FRS_working_logo, 50%.JPG>
>> -- 
>> Feather River Solar Electric
>> Bill Battagin, Owner
>> 4291 Nelson St.
>> Taylorsville, CA 95983
>> 530.284.7849
>> CA Lic 874049
>> www.frenergy.net
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