[RE-wrenches] HuP Conundrum

[Ray Walters]

It's also possible to charge just the weak cells using an automotive 
charger set to 6 v.

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

On 12/17/2015 8:29 AM, Luke Christy wrote:
> Thanks Guys, for the feedback.
>
> I reduced the system to one string when I was on site, and it is maintaining, though the remaining "good" batteries had a lot of variance in the SG between cells.
>
> I don't think the cells in these particular batteries are removable (at least not by me), as the interconnections are welded and it does not look like it would be easy to pull them out of the case anyway. As Jay pointed out, even if that were possible, replacing the cells with new ones seems like throwing away money.
>
> The charge parameters were set kind of low ~58V Bulk and 61V EQ.
>
>   I know the homeowner has not been using SG to equalize, as he doesn't even have a way to check the SG period.
>
> Tommy Penson was kind enough to contact me off-list, and his recommendation was to increase the charge parameters and spend some time trying to bring the bad cells back up with careful charging and longer EQ cycles.  Seems like that is worth doing even if it's not successful, considering the expensive alternative.
>
> -Luke
>
>
>
>
>
> On Dec 16, 2015, at 1:44 PM, Dana <dana at solarwork.com> wrote:
>
>> Try Tommy Penson at North West Energy Storage at 800.718.8816
>>
>> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
>> Dana Orzel
>> Great Solar Works, Inc -  NABCEP # 051112-136
>> E - dana at solarwork.com  - Web - solarwork.com
>> O - 970.626.5253  C - 208.721.7003
>> "Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988"
>>  Please consider the environment before printing this email.
>>
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Dave
>> Sent: Wednesday, December 16, 2015 10:23 AM
>> To: 'RE-wrenches'
>> Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] HuP Conundrum
>>
>> Luke,
>>
>> Contac HUP for specific advice. You've probably already done that?
>>
>> What comes to mind:
>> Since you have two series strings, run the house on one string of all good cells.
>>
>> Pull out the weak cells and charge them as per HUP's advice.
>>
>> I'm guessing that this problem has happened because the homeowner did not properly charge the batteries.
>> Homeowner most likely did not use a hydrometer upon EQ'ng the cells.
>> Homeowner thought the cells were fully charged and equal but obviously they were not.
>> Record keeping, log books etc.. for people caring for expensive batteries are well worth the effort.
>>
>> David Palumbo
>> Independent Power LLC
>> 462 Solar Way Drive
>> Hyde Park, VT 05655
>> 802-371-8678 cell
>> 802-888-4917 home
>>
>>
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