SAFETY WARNINGS NO CHILDREN. Children must be kept away from batteries at all times. EXPLOSION HAZARD, NO SMOKING, NO NAKED FLAMES . Batteries generate highly explosive gasses during charge. No smoking, sparks or any form of naked flame is to be allowed near the battery at any time.
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SIZING OF M-SOLAR INSTALLATIONS It is recommended that the battery be sized to limit the daily depth of discharge to 20% of the 100-hour rate capacity. This caters for up to 5 days of cloudy weather whilst giving optimum life expectancy. The daily consumption can be calculated by taking each electrical item’s wattage and estimating the maximum time in hours that it is likely to run each day.
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the C capacity until the voltages and specific gravities have remained constant over 3 x 1 hourly readings. If the battery is not required immediately for service, it should be stored under roof in a cool, clean, dry and well-ventilated area. Where connection has not been made to the cell terminals, remove the covers, wipe the terminals clean and apply a thin layer of Vaseline to the outer surface.
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Caution: strapping the cells will cause acid levels inside the cells to rise, especially with taller cells. If the electrolyte levels rise above maximum, any surplus acid should be removed. It is important to support the cell adequately across the full height of the cell. Depending on the cell height, 2 to 3 ratchet tie down should be used.
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SOLAR SYSTEM SET POINTS Whilst there can never be hard and fast set points for a solar system due to variations in operating modes the following data is given as a guide. Normal recharge maximum voltage: 2.45Vpc Absorption time: 3 to 4 hours Float voltage: 2.27Vpc Equalisation voltage:...
BATTERY OPERATION DISCHARGE Immediately after the solar array output falls below that being consumed by the load the battery begins supplying the load. This will initially result in a rapid fall in voltage. Assuming the battery was on float charge at 2.27Vpc it will drop to the open circuit voltage of about 2.12Vpc even if there is no load.
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EXPECTED CYCLE LIFE Vs DAILY DEPTH OF DISCHARGE 5000 4500 4000 3500 3000 2500 2000 1500 1000 DEPTH OF DISCHARGE (AS % OF 100 HOUR CAPACITY) RECHARGE The normal method of solar charging is to charge at the current available from the solar array up to a maximum of 30%C Amps until the battery voltage reaches 2.40/2.45Vpc.
TEMPERATURE The operating temperature of the battery affects the capacity available and the life of the battery. When temperatures are higher than the nominal 25 C the capacity increases and at lower temperature, decreases. However, increases in temperature can drastically reduce the expected life.
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SPECIFIC GRAVITY MEASUREMENT DETERMINING THE STATE OF CHARGE OF THE BATTERY Dilution of the electrolyte during discharge is a useful guide to the state of charge of a lead acid cell. The less acid there is in the electrolyte, the less dense it is, and the lower its specific gravity.
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3 hours with no increase in specific gravity before attempting to adjust the specific gravity upwards. If in doubt First National Battery should be contacted for advice. When these conditions have been met and specific gravity is still low remove a little of the electrolyte and replace with an equal volume of stronger sulphuric acid (e.g.
BATTERY WATER Water used for topping up batteries must comply with the following specifications: • It shall be clear, colourless and odourless. • The pH shall be between 5 and 7. • Impurities shall not exceed the limits below. • It shall, wherever possible, be stored in a glass or plastic container. •...
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Battery reaching end Replace battery. of life. Battery fails to supply load. Undercharge. See above. Overdischarge. System Reduce load or undersized for the load. increase capacity. Faulty cell/s. Replace cell/s unless battery is near end of life. Battery reaching end Replace battery.
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