WARNING: If the batteries are equipped with HYDROCAPS (catalytic gas recombiner
caps), they should be removed during the equalization process. If hydrocaps are
used, you should disable automatic equalization to prevent possible damage.
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 C40 will be
from the manufacturer or supplier of the batteries.
Automotive and truck batteries are designed for high cranking power - not deep cycling.
Don't use them unless no other battery type is available. They simply will not last long in a
cycling application.
Another type of battery construction is the sealed gel cell. They don't use battery caps.
The electrolyte is in the form of a gel rather than a liquid, which allows the batteries to be
mounted in any position. The advantages are no maintenance, long life (800 cycles
claimed) and low self discharge. Absorbed glass mat electrolyte (AGM) batteries are also
acceptable. Their electrolyte is contained in mats between the battery plates. Sealed
Automotive Batteries
Maintenance-Free Batteries
Deep Cycle Batteries
Sealed 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.
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 six-
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 six-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.
18
Copyright Trace Engineering Co. Inc. Tel (360) 435-8826 Part Number 2680 Rev. C
5916 195 Street, NE Fax (360) 435-2229 November 4, 1998
Arlington, WA 98223 USA www.traceengineering.com Page
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