Battery Installation; Battery Location; Battery Enclosure; Battery Cabling - Apollo Solar 3224 User Manual

4.1.5 Battery Installation

CAUTION
Batteries can produce extremely high currents in short-circuit. Be very careful working around them.
Read the important safety instructions at the beginning of this manual and the battery supplier's
precautions before installing the Inverter and batteries
ATTENTION
Les batteries peuvent produire les courants extrêmement élevés dans le court-circuit. Soyez
fonctionnement très soigneux autour de elles. Lisez les instructions de sûreté importantes au début
de ce manuel et de la batterie supplier' ; précautions de s avant d'installer l'inverseur et les batteries.

4.1.5.1 Battery Location

Batteries should be located in an accessible location with nothing restricting access to the battery
caps and terminals. At least two feet of clearance above is recommended. Locate as close as
possible to the Inverter, but do not limit access to the Inverter and the Inverter's disconnect. Do not
locate the inverter in the same compartment with non-sealed batteries (sealed batteries are
acceptable) as the gasses produced during charging are very corrosive and will shorten the life of the
inverter.
Battery to inverter cabling should be no longer than required. For 24 VDC systems do not exceed 10
feet (one way) if 4/0 AWG cables are used. For 48 VDC systems do not exceed 20 feet (one way) if
4/0 AWG cables are used.

4.1.5.2 Battery Enclosure

Batteries should be protected within a ventilated, locked enclosure or room. The enclosure should be
ventilated to the outdoors from the highest point to prevent accumulation of hydrogen gasses that are
released from the battery during charging. An air intake should also be provided at a low point in the
enclosure to allow air to enter to promote good ventilation. For most systems a one-inch diameter
vent pipe from the top of the enclosure is adequate. A sloped top can help direct the hydrogen to the
vent location and prevent pockets of hydrogen from occurring. The enclosure should also be capable
of containing at least one battery cell worth of electrolyte in the event a spill or leak occurs. The
enclosure should be made of acid resistant material or have an acid resistant finish. If the batteries
are located outdoors, the enclosure should be rainproof and have mesh screens over any openings
to prevent insects and rodents from entering. Before placing the batteries in the enclosure, cover the
bottom with a layer of baking soda to neutralize any acid that might be spilled in the future.

4.1.5.3 Battery Cabling

Heavy cables should be used to connect individual batteries to configure a larger battery
bank. The actual size of the cable depends upon whether the batteries are connected in parallel or
series. Generally, the cables should not be smaller than the main battery cables to the inverter. E.g.
If the main cables are 4/0 AWG the battery interconnects should be 4/0 AWG.
It is preferable to connect the batteries first in series and then in parallel when connecting smaller
batteries. The best option is to connect the batteries both in series and parallel in a configuration
often called "cross-trying'. This requires additional cables but reduces imbalances in the battery and
can improve the overall performance. Consult your battery supplier for more information regarding
the hook-up configuration required for your system.
.
- 14 -