PROSINE 2.0 INVERTER•CHARGER USER’S MANUAL
108
445-0089-01-01
Enclosures
Batteries must be protected inside a ventilated enclosure. The enclosure
should be ventilated to the outdoors from the highest point to prevent the
accumulation of hydrogen gases released in the charging process. An air
intake should also be provided at a low point in the enclosure to allow air to
enter the enclosure to promote good ventilation.
Temperature
The effective capacity of a battery is reduced when the battery is cold. This
phenomenon is more significant with lead-acid type batteries compared to
alkaline types. When the internal temperature of a lead-acid battery is 32
°
F
(0
°
C), the capacity can be reduced by as much as 50%. This effectively
reduces the size of the system’s “gas tank,” requiring more frequent
“refueling” by the charger. This should be considered when you design the
system. If extremely low temperatures are expected where the system is going
to be located, a heated equipment room should be considered.
If the system is located in an unheated space, an insulated enclosure is highly
recommended for the batteries. During the charging process, the batteries
release heat due to the internal resistance of the battery. If the batteries are
insulated, the heat can be kept in the batteries to keep them warmer. This will
substantially increase the performance of the system.
Insulated battery enclosures also ensure that the temperatures of individual
battery cells are more consistent. This prevents unequal charging, which can
cause battery failure (some cells being overcharged while others are
undercharged).
The batteries should also be protected from high temperature. This can be
caused by high ambient temperatures, solar heating of the battery enclosure, or
heat released by an engine or generator located close by. High battery
temperature results in short battery life and should be avoided by ventilating
the enclosure and reducing the external heat sources by shading and
insulation.
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