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General Category => System Design and Layout => Topic started by: asdex on October 30, 2016, 03:01:17 PM

Title: Keeping batteries separate from controller
Post by: asdex on October 30, 2016, 03:01:17 PM
Hi, I have these new crown batteries to install next weekend. They will sit in a small 1 x 2 meter shed below and beside the charge controller. Should I build a gas tight box around them with lid to stop the charge controller sucking in acid laden fumes or should it not matter? The batteries are the flooded vented type you add water too. CR-430. I notice the fan on the Classic does run quite a bit at times of good sun.
I also have a roof vent for the heat from the controller.
Thanks,
Title: Re: Keeping batteries separate from controller
Post by: russ_drinkwater on October 30, 2016, 04:56:46 PM
I keep my regs undercover and away from the batteries/gas/acid/weather/dust etc.
They cost too much to not be looked after! :o ;D
Title: Re: Keeping batteries separate from controller
Post by: Vic on October 30, 2016, 07:58:16 PM
Quote from: asdex on October 30, 2016, 03:01:17 PM
Hi, I have these new crown batteries to install next weekend. They will sit in a small 1 x 2 meter shed below and beside the charge controller. Should I build a gas tight box around them with lid to stop the charge controller sucking in acid laden fumes or should it not matter? The batteries are the flooded vented type you add water too. CR-430. I notice the fan on the Classic does run quite a bit at times of good sun.
I also have a roof vent for the heat from the controller.
Thanks,

Hi asdex,

Congratulations on the new Flooded batteries.

Flooded batteries are not too efficient during Absorb and EQ.   The result is that there will be a reasonable amount of heat from the Gassing process,  that is dumped into the batteries.   Tight and especially insulated boxes can trap significant heat,  which will require considerable time and cool-ish temperatures to allow this heat to dissipate.

Personally,  would not place most any electronics directly above  the batteries,  but sometimes,  we have little choice.

With some flow of air from the outside,  into the battery room,  and an outlet vent at the peak of the ceiling,  or flush with the ceiling if it is flat and level will be a large help in venting Hydrogen gas that is liberated (electrolyzed)  from the water in the electrolyte,  during battery Gassing in Absorb and EQ.

The electrolyte vapor (and splatters)  are fairly heavy,  and will probably not rise very far above the vent caps of the batteries.

My opinions,   Vic
Title: Re: Keeping batteries separate from controller
Post by: russ_drinkwater on October 31, 2016, 04:51:52 PM
Memories from when I was kid with our property battery power supply.
Any ferrous metal within 6 feet or more of the old bank of batteries had corrosion on it!
Window fittings, nails, etc.
You could make a false ceiling above the cells to dissipate the gases/fumes.
But for my money better to have the charge controller in a clean, ventilated, insulated cabinet of its own at least.
Better to be safe than sorry. :)
Title: Re: Keeping batteries separate from controller
Post by: asdex on November 03, 2016, 10:31:05 PM
Thanks, I think I'll build a battery box with plenty of ventilation to the outside which sounds worth doing.
Cheers,
Title: Re: Keeping batteries separate from controller
Post by: CDN-VT on November 06, 2016, 10:41:29 PM
12Vdc boat bilge fans on aux 2 to vent on charging , You must supply air as well as evacuate it also.