Battery Bank Sizing; Battery Types; Battery Configuration; Series - Xantrex TRACE DR Series Installation & Operator's Manual

2.0 INSTALLATION
Wiring (continued)
The size of the battery bank determines how long the AC loads will operate in a backup mode
without utility power. The larger the battery bank, the longer the run time. Size the battery bank to the
systems AC load requirements and length of time required to run from the batteries. In general, the
battery bank should not be discharged more than 50%. Additional DC charging devices such as
solar, wind, hydro, etc., can provide longer run times by recharging the batteries in the absence of
AC utility or generator power.
Additional details on estimating battery bank size and capacity can be found in the Appendix
section of this manual.
Batteries are available in different sizes, amp-hour ratings, voltage, liquid or gel, vented or non-
vented, chemistries, etc. They are also available for starting applications (such as an automobile
starting battery) and deep discharge applications. Only the deep discharge types are recommended
for inverter applications. Choose the batteries best suited for the inverter installation and cost. Use
only the same battery type for all batteries in the bank. For best performance, all batteries should be
from the same lot and date. This information is usually printed on a label located on the battery.
Additional information regarding batteries can be found in the Appendix section of this manual.
The battery bank must be wired to match the inverter’s DC input voltage specifications (12, 24 or
48 VDC). In addition, the batteries can be wired to provide additional run time. The various wiring
configurations are:
Wiring batteries in series increases the total bank output voltage (to match the inverter’s DC
requirements).
Wiring the batteries in parallel increases the total run time the batteries can operate the AC loads.
Series-parallel configurations increase both the battery voltage (to match the inverter’s DC
requirements) and run-time for operating the AC loads.
©2000 Xantrex Technology Inc.