©2000 Xantrex Technology Inc.
Batteries
Batteries come in different sizes, types, amp-hour capacity, voltages and
chemistries. Here are a few guidelines that will help in battery selection, and
ensure that the batteries are properly maintained. The best source of the most
appropriate settings for the C-Series will be from the manufacturer or supplier of
the batteries.
Automotive Batteries
Automotive and truck batteries are designed for high cranking power not
deep-cycling. Do not use them unless no other battery type is available. They
simply will not last long in a cycling application.
Maintenance-Free Batteries
This type of battery is often sold as a RV or marine battery, but is rarely
appropriate for use with a PV system. They typically have an additional
reserve of electrolyte, but are vented. This is not the same as a sealed battery.
Deep-Cycle Batteries
Best suited for use with PV systems, this type of battery is designed to be
more deeply discharged before being recharged. Deep-cycle batteries are
available in many sizes and types. The most common is the vented liquid
electrolyte battery.
Vented batteries usually have battery caps. The caps may appear to be
sealed, but are not. The caps should be removed periodically to check the level
of electrolyte. When a cell is low, distilled water should be added after the
battery is fully charged. If the level is extremely low, add only enough distilled
water to cover the plates before recharging. The electrolyte volume increases
during the charging process and the battery will overflow if it is filled all of the
way up before recharging. Use only distilled water because impurities will
reduce battery performance.
A popular and inexpensive deep-cycle battery is the golf cart battery. It
is a 6-volt design, typically rated at 220 amp-hours. RV and marine deep-cycle
batteries are also popular for small systems. They are usually referred to as
Group 24 or Group 27 batteries and are rated at 80 to 100 amp-hours at
12 volts. Many larger systems use L16 batteries, which are usually rated at
350 amp-hours at 6-volts each. They are 17 inches high and weigh about
130 pounds. 8D batteries are available with either cranking or deep-cycle
construction. Purchase only the deep-cycle version. The 8D is typically rated
at 220 amp-hours at 12 volts.
6.0 BATTERIES
41
All manuals and user guides at all-guides.com
