Appendix B - Batteries; Selection Of A Battery Type; Flooded Lead Acid (Fla; Rv And Marine - Xantrex7 UX - REV A Owner's Manual

Appendix B - Batteries

Selection of a Battery Type

Flooded Lead Acid (FLA)

RV and Marine

Golf Cart

Industrial (electric forklift)

©2002 Xantrex Technology Inc. All Rights Reserved.
P/N 975-0026-01-01 Rev A 06/2002
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.
There are two principal types of batteries: starting and deep-cycle (with several
different types of chemistries). Batteries can be either sealed or non-sealed
(vented).
The battery types recommended for use in an inverter system are: Flooded Lead
Acid (FLA), Sealed Gel Cells (GEL), Sealed Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM); and
alkaline types Nickel-iron (NiFe) and Nickel-Cadmium (NiCad). DO NOT use
automotive (starting) batteries–they are designed to provide high starting current
for short periods of time.
This type of battery is designed to be deep-cycled before being recharged,
making it suitable for inverter applications. Flooded batteries require periodic
maintenance consisting mainly of adding distilled water to the cells, checking
battery cable connectors for tightness and keeping the terminals clean. Examples
of flooded batteries include RV and marine, golf cart, and industrial.
• Popular in small systems
• Often referred to as "Group 24" or "Group 27" batteries
• Designed for limited cycling
• Do not last as long as the other "true" deep-cycle batteries
• Typically rated at 12 volts (80 to 100 amp hours)
• Popular for smaller off-grid home systems
• Many medium sized inverter systems use "L16" batteries
• Rugged, long lasting
• Typically rated at 6 volts (220 to 350 amp hours)
• Popular in large inverter systems
• Extremely rugged - lasts up to 10 years or more in an inverter system
• Typically 2 volt cells (1,000 amp hours or more)
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