Venting Batteries

[plongson]

I'm gonna have 16 L-16's in a 1500 sq/ft garage, sitting on a short stand I fabricated and had powder coated. I was originally told that I would not need to specifically vent the batteries outside because of the size of the garage and two big roll up doors. It is however pretty tight to avoid winter drafts.

What's the thoughts on venting this battery bank? Will I be ok or ?? Venting might prove to be a challenge and would include fabricating a hood and ducting out the wall.

What are you folks doing??

[Volvo Farmer]

Mine are in an insulated plywood box, with vents low and in front and a 2" vent pipe high and out the back to the outdoors. Convection only, no fans.

[Vic]

The battery banks here are in plywood boxes,  like VF's.  Inlet low outlet high,  venting by convection outside.

Hydrogen is very light,  and could rise to the peak of the attic (let's say),  and is explosive in very low concentrations in air (on the order of 5-6% H in air).  The stand is a nice idea,  but,  personally,  I'd like to see a more positive venting scheme.  There are corrosive vapors as well,  which really should be transported away from the interior of a structure,  as well.

If your power system will be inspected,  there may be some venting issues called for in order to get is signed-off.

JMHO  Good Luck,  Vic