A batteries warranty can tell a lot about the product. This Ni-Fe guarantee speaks loudly.
(As of 8/1/11)
BeUtilityFree, Inc.
Renewable Energy Products (Solar Electric • Solar Heating • Wind Electric) Energy Efficiency Products
• Design • Engineering • Consultation
Effective date: August 1, 2011
BeUtilityFreeâ„¢, Inc. guarantees to the original user that all Nickel Iron NEW pocket plate batteries will be free from
defects in material and workmanship for (12)
12 years after placed in service and to produce 80% of the manufacturers amp hour capacity rating.
User should immediately report any possible defects in writing
to BeUtilityFreeâ„¢, Inc. vis email (office@beutilityfree or USPS.
All batteries claimed to be defective must be returned to BeUtilityFreeâ„¢, Inc. for evaluation. During the first year
from date of shipment we will pay for return shipping if cell (s) are found to be defective.
After first year customer pays all shipping expenses both ways.
Allow up to 3 weeks for examination of batteries.
No replacement batteries will be sent unless bad cells are received first. No exceptions.
Shipping instructions:
1. Fluid must be emptied from all cell(s) and a small electrolyte sample - 4 onces
-sent separately from at least 4 cells via USPS or along with the battery shipment to BUF.
Cell(s) can be shipped via USPS, UPS ground, FedEx ground or DHL Express.
2. Package must be packaged according to shippers standard practices for the weight of the cell.
Please use proper packing material that will not crush under the weight of the cell.
We suggest bubble wrap as the best packing material.
3. Proper filling out of BOL must be done according to Hazadious material laws at the time BOL
is filled out. If you need a sample nickel iron BOL we can send it to you.
4. Must be sent in GLASS containers and NOT plastic.
The following conditions must be met or guarantee is NULL and VOID:
1. The batteries are used in a home power system or approved system by BeUtilityFreeâ„¢,Inc.â„¢ engineering department.
2. Batteries cannot be installed in an environment that exceeds 80° F on a continual basis,
such as a box in the sun.
3. The batteries are handled, stored and installed in accordance with the instruction manual
sent via email, USPS or shipped with the batteries.
Proper maintenance records should be kept regarding temperatures, specific gravity,
cell voltages, and battery carbonate content on a yearly basis for each cell.
4. Water level must be maintained at the recommended level at all times.
Only distilled or de-ionized water can be used to replace fluid level. Rain water,
city water, well water or sea water will void warranty.
5. Warranty applies only to original owner and does not cover any battery that must be repaired
or replaced due to misuse, accidents, negligence, tampering, earthquakes or acts of God.
6. All battery returns must be followed by a Return Authorization Number (RAN) issued by BeUtilityFreeâ„¢, Inc.
In writing to the customer service department.
Customer is responsible for costs and proper packaging of battery (s). All batteries must be returned to us before
guarantee is honored.
Shipping instructions will be sent with the RAN.
7. Battery terminals must be TIGHT and CLEAN to assure no arcing occurs during heavy charging
and discharging of battery.
8. Electrolyte changes areNOT covered under this warranty. If battery electrolyte becomes con taminated
(usually by having the potassium hydroxide turn into potassium carbonate with the
first 10 years then the fluid should be replaced by the owner and an electrolyte change will not effect the warranty period.
If battery is found to be contaminated with carbonate during a claim then the claim will not be honored.
It is the clients responsibility to monitor the electrolyte carbon content.
BUF will test your electrolyte for a reasonable fee if you send us a sample.
9. Some method must be made to allow minimal intake of carbon dioxide from the air.
Potas sioum hydroxide has an affinity to draw carbon dioxide form the air into the cells
electro lyter over time.
Once the cell draws enough electrolyte out of the air and into the electrolyte
the electrolyte will become saturated with carbon dioxide and the electrolyte turns eventually
into potassium carbonate.
Once that happens the cell loses its battery capacity and you will notice a loss of capacity in your battery bank.
It has been our experience so far that nor mally you will need an electrolyte change every 7-10 years.
The following methods are acceptable to retard the electrolyte from drawing in carbon dioxide
into the air:
1. A layer of special oil can be placed on the top of the electrolyte cells. The layer of float oil
The layer of oil must be at least 1/4" thick. (6.25 mm) .
This oil can be purchased from BUF.
If any other oil is used form another company than the warranty is void
unless we have full details of the oil you plan to use and get a letter of approval from BUF.
2. A cap with a ball of some sort that seals the cap opening.
3. A self watering system
4. BUF system (currently in development developed) that was taken from a patented system
that has since expired
10. If defective during the first year we will replace free of charge. The second through the tenth years will be
warranted on a pro-rated basis.
The pro-ration formula is Credit = "original purchase price X - 1st year date of Shipment.
The registration form is filled out within (15) fifteen days of receiving batteries and sent to:
Att: Customer Service
BeUtilityFreeâ„¢, Inc.
14149 County Rd. 26
Fort Lupton, CO. 80621
...
You may want to consider testing for Lithium Carbonate as well since raising the LiOH.H2O by 4 times has worked
out so well.
Changhong Batteries has set the ding dong switch (Replace the Electrolyte) at 50 grams per Liter for carbonates.
I doubt they care what kind of carbonates it is. The Lithium Hydroxide alone can swell up to 'do you' now.
Rarely, if ever, discussed Iron poisoning from the Negative Elements into the Ni-Fe Nickel Matrix
also needs to be considered.
Let's Internet launch that subject here at Otherpower.
Better yet let's get past the Fairy Tale of a free ride once we over pay excessive profits to get the Ni-Fe batteries.
Keep paying. It's going to take time and money to keep the Ni-Fe Cells in shape as we go along.
However just like us - they really can keep going a good while IF you keep pumping the money into them.
Some of those real old electric vehicles are reported to have changed their Ni-Fe Electrolyte every year.
Even every 8 months or so with lax watering procedures.
It gets covered in the electrolyte post coming up.
Bill Blake
