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Something to keep the batteries warm
By frackers, Section Diaries Posted on Wed Jul 01, 2009 at 10:41:06 AM MST
or at least keep the pigs out

Been busy again, this time putting the batteries into a proper insulated box (40mm polystyrene) with a seperate compartment for the inverter and controller. A pallet construction for the base of 40x150 (6x2) on 100x100 (4x4) posts so I can get the forks on the back of the tractor under it for moving and the rest is 13mm (1/2 inch) exterior ply.

Eight 225 amp hour 6 volt local Trojan equivalents for the 24volt system, 3000w inverter, fuse, isolator (the old bakelite fuse), current shunt, panel meter and the 1-wire controller interface can be seen here. The wireless router is just out of sight.
And of course Dumpling the kunekune pig had to come and see what was going on...hmm those cables look edible...

Something to keep the batteries warm | 11 comments (11 topical)

Re: Something to keep the batteries warm (3.00 / 0) (#1)
by wpowokal on Wed Jul 01, 2009 at 08:30:19 AM MST

Alert alert!!!!!!!!!!!
Swine flue abounds, do not lie with pigs.
Sorry could not help myself, thankfully I have no need to keep batteries warm, just could not imagin living in such a cold climate.

Dumpling seems rather interested in something, watch the wiring!

allan down under
Dare to be free!

Re: Something to keep the batteries warm (3.00 / 0) (#2)
by phil b on Wed Jul 01, 2009 at 08:43:29 AM MST

Good Job! That's a nice compact system. I noticed the holes below the hinges for hydrogen, which is isolated from the electronics.

Re: Something to keep the batteries warm (3.00 / 0) (#3)
by SparWeb on Thu Jul 02, 2009 at 09:28:27 AM MST

Nice simple work. It's good to have it off the ground, though you could try to block up the space under there so that the winter wind doesn't cool underneath.

I try to keep my goats out of pictures of my windmill, lest people seeing the photo "kid" me about them.
Steven Fahey

Re: Something to keep the batteries warm (3.00 / 0) (#4)
by wpowokal on Thu Jul 02, 2009 at 04:54:33 PM MST

What rating is that fuse?

allan down under
Dare to be free!

Re: Something to keep the batteries warm (3.00 / 0) (#6)
by ghurd on Thu Jul 02, 2009 at 06:04:34 PM MST

Slightly less than the max amps of Dumpling.
G-

[ Parent ]

Re: Something to keep the batteries warm (3.00 / 0) (#8)
by frackers on Thu Jul 02, 2009 at 06:53:18 PM MST

The 'real' fuse is 150amp, the bakelite fuse holder I'm using as an isolation switch is full of copper - probably rated at 1000 amps or more :-)

All the battery wiring is rated at 150 amps continuous, 250amps surge, the inverter came with 300amp cables.
Robin - Down Under (or are you Up Over)
[ Parent ]

Re: Something to keep the batteries warm (3.00 / 0) (#5)
by zeusmorg on Thu Jul 02, 2009 at 05:05:04 PM MST

Yes,,lead acid batteries do not like being too cold.. or too hot, for that matter!

Re: Something to keep the batteries warm (3.00 / 0) (#7)
by ghurd on Thu Jul 02, 2009 at 06:17:54 PM MST

On the inverter side of the box, might consider 4 x 1/4" holes, top & bottom on both sides?
Hate to see the fumes or humidity eat a 3KW inverter.

A 3KW inverter is going to make quite a bit of heat.
Maybe 4 of those AL 1" dia vents from Lowe's or Home DePot?
Could tape over 2 in winter?
G-

Re: Something to keep the batteries warm (3.00 / 0) (#9)
by frackers on Thu Jul 02, 2009 at 09:01:41 PM MST

The battery side of the box is vented to get rid of the fumes but the inverter is only being loaded to 50% max so I'd expect no more than 200watts of heat coming off it. It has a thermostatic fan on it which actually works(!!) so the half dozen cu.ft of space its sitting in I expect will be OK to keep it cool. Its on the south side so its out of the direct sun and if I get a problem I'll build a shade a couple 100mm or so above rather than risk the pigs (or other stock) getting into it!!
Robin - Down Under (or are you Up Over)
[ Parent ]

Re: Something to keep the batteries warm (3.00 / 0) (#10)
by scottsAI on Sun Jul 05, 2009 at 02:08:58 AM MST

Frackers,

I worry about the lack of ventilation for the inverter.
If you wounder what 200w of heat is like.
Take out the electronics (for safety).
Put two 100 w incandescent bulbs in there. Close it up.
Measure temperature over a hour, will get quite hot in there.

Need ventilation for the inverter, place the inverter fan so it can suck outside air.
Exit ventilation hole is also required. Opposite side is best.
Need a hood above the holes to keep rain out.

Have fun,
Scott.

[ Parent ]

Re: Something to keep the batteries warm (3.00 / 0) (#11)
by frackers on Sun Jul 05, 2009 at 03:43:01 AM MST

I've just checked the temperature rise over an hours operation at 1kw and I saw a rise of 10C. Nothing to worry about now but I think I should prepare for 6 months time and temperatures in the mid to high 30's we often get in summer. I'll get my hole saw out when it warms up to double figures...

Cheers
Robin - Down Under (or are you Up Over)
[ Parent ]

Something to keep the batteries warm | 11 comments (11 topical)

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