[RE-wrenches] Trojan L16RE-2V set-points

[Ray]

Unfortunately I'm seeing premature failures of the 2 v models even 
more.  You have paralleled cells in each battery, and it can be 
difficult to even identify the failures.  I found the infared camera to 
be invaluable, as you can see the shorted cell clearly in a thermal image.

Ray Walters
Remote Solar
303 505-8760

On 9/12/18 9:53 AM, Drake wrote:
> I agree with the comments that followed on this thread, and would also 
> like to add that Trojan L-16 batteries have a high rate of premature 
> failure. Possibly the 2 V cells are better, but the 6 V cells seem 
> very prone to dying early. Trojan batteries were robust in past 
> decades, but seem exceedingly fragile now.
>
> At 08:44 PM 9/11/2018, you wrote:
>> Hello wrenches,
>>
>> I inspected a system that another company had installed.  It had 
>> single string of 12 x Trojan L16RE-2V batteries about 2 years old. 
>> They had experienced a battery melt-down.  It looks as though the 
>> meltdown had occurred internally, not from a bad connection.
>>
>> The system was dual stack Outback VFXR-3524A inverters (to be precise 
>> one was a sealed unit).  The set-points were as follows:
>> Absorb Voltage was 29.8V
>> Absorb Time was 6.0 hours
>> Float Voltage was 27.0V
>> Rebulk Voltage was 27.0V
>> End Amps was 0A
>>
>> These settings extended similarly to 2 x FM80 charge controllers.
>>
>> I was able to jumper the melted battery and get her power in 15 
>> minutes.  Her installer had left her without power for 2 weeks.  My 
>> clients will kill me if that happened!
>>
>> Anyway, I believe these set-points are way out of whack and too 
>> aggressive.  The voltage is OK (Trojan recommends ~29.6V for this) 
>> but the Absorb time seems way too long, Rebulk is too high and end 
>> amps isn't helping.  However, Im not finding a definitive article 
>> from Trojan that describes typical Absorb times or even how to adjust 
>> towards a good Absorb Time, based on specific gravity measurements or 
>> amperage absorption. Â
>>
>> My diagnosis is that these batteries have been cooked over the past 2 
>> years.  In the electrolyte, there is noticeable "floaties".  The 
>> client said that the original installer had accused her of not using 
>> distilled water, but I don't believe that would cause her symptoms.  
>> I believe the floaties are plate material.
>>
>> I'd be interested in wrenches opinions familiar with these batteries 
>> if these are appropriate settings for a low energy user.  I will 
>> attempt to get through to Trojan as well.
>>
>> Thanks in advance
>>
>>
>>
>> -- 
>>
>>
>>
>> Mac Lewis
>>
>> *"Yo solo sé que no sé nada." -Sócrates
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