Keeping batteries separate from controller

Started by asdex, October 30, 2016, 03:01:17 PM

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asdex

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,
6 x JA Solar 320w solar panels facing NW, 4 x 300w panels facing North.
12 x 2volt Narada lead carbon batteries (24v 400ah), Classic and WBJr, Epever 50A controller, Outback FX2024 inverter and Mate, Trimetric monitor, Alibaba solar pump.

russ_drinkwater

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
Standalone. 20 Hyundai x 220 watts panels, 2 x classic 150's, Latronics 24 volt 3kw inverter, Whiz bang Jnr, 12 Rolls surrete  4KS 25P  batteries and WBJ.
Grid tie feed-in, 12.5 kw in 3 arrays generating 50 kws per day average. Solar river grid tie inverters

Vic

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
Off Grid - Sys 1: 2ea SW+ 5548, Surrette 4KS25 1280 AH, 5.25 KW PV, Classic 150,WB, Beta Barcelona, Beta KID
Sys 2: SW+ 5548s, 4KS25s, 5.88 KW PV, 2 ea. Classic 150, WB, HB CC-needs remote Monitoring/Control, site=remote.
 MN Bkrs/Bxs/Combiners. Thanks MN for Great Products/Svc/Support&This Forum!!

russ_drinkwater

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. :)
Standalone. 20 Hyundai x 220 watts panels, 2 x classic 150's, Latronics 24 volt 3kw inverter, Whiz bang Jnr, 12 Rolls surrete  4KS 25P  batteries and WBJ.
Grid tie feed-in, 12.5 kw in 3 arrays generating 50 kws per day average. Solar river grid tie inverters

asdex

Thanks, I think I'll build a battery box with plenty of ventilation to the outside which sounds worth doing.
Cheers,
6 x JA Solar 320w solar panels facing NW, 4 x 300w panels facing North.
12 x 2volt Narada lead carbon batteries (24v 400ah), Classic and WBJr, Epever 50A controller, Outback FX2024 inverter and Mate, Trimetric monitor, Alibaba solar pump.

CDN-VT

12Vdc boat bilge fans on aux 2 to vent on charging , You must supply air as well as evacuate it also.
Canadian Solar 350W 37.6 VOC  30.6 VMP 8.22 ISC 7.87 IMP ,-15 c +30c max  4 strings in 2 in Series for 24v Classic 150 -1020 Ah  Freezers & fridges ~~~ Second Array same panels of 3sx3 parallel for 24 V Classic 150 -440 Ah Outback Barns & out blds.
48Vdc almost done,11Strings up of 3s11P same panels