BATTERIES

Renewable energy systems

If one was to perceive a renewable energy system as a living organism, the "battery" would be the "heart" of the RE organism. Mayflower Trading Company

of

By Jess, Michael & Emily

Cells
Most batteries have a number of cells a car battery is 12 volts, and is supplied as one unit (monoblock) standalone power systems -battery banks are supplied as: 12V, 24V, 48V or 120V -batteries can be supplied as a monoblock (12V or 6V) but are generally supplied as individual 2V cells. -A 12V battery bank will consist of 6 x 2V cells etc.

2 main types
Lead-acid batteries = most common in renewable energy systems - The electrolyte is Sulfuric Acid - Positive and Negative lead plates Nickel-cadmium = less common, last longer and are much more expensive

Advice
Increasing the size of a PV array is simple; adding more batteries later is entirely different. - The voltage response of any battery has a direct relationship to its age. - adding more batteries to a system later will only allow the system to perform as well as its worst cell The weakest link in any alternative energy system is the inadequate sizing of the battery bank design. In the case of the battery, bigger is always better. In all cases, use only true "deep-cycle" batteries.
(Mayflower Trading Company)

Lead-Acid Type
Shallow vs. Deep Cycle
Shallow cycle batteries discharge 10%-15% of capacity Deep cycle batteries discharge up to 50% of capacity

Flooded
Wet Battery More maintenance intensive Less expensive

Valve regulated
Completely contained gel electrolyte Maintenance free!

Installation
Ventilation
Produces H2 and O2

Out of sunlight Off of cold ground Catch spilled fluid in drip tray Must be clear of electronics or potential sparks

Other Notes
Batteries are less than perfect containers for storing the energy of our power systems. For every 1.0 amphour you remove from the batteries, it is necessary to pump about 1.25 amp-hours back in, to bring the battery back to the same state of charge. This figure varies with temperature, battery type, and age, but is a good rule of thumb by which to calculate approximate battery efficiency. The performance you will get from your batteries will vary with location, climate, and usage patterns.

Battery Life and Performance

15-20 years Temperature affected Depth of Discharge affects lifespan Usage affects life span
Constant small load vs. instantaneous large load

Typical Cost
Good quality 12V battery banks will cost from $1000 to $3000. A 24V bank will cost from $2000 to $6000. More money = more capacity.

Suppliers/More Information
DEKA
http://www.mrsolar.com/pdf/deka/epm0946.pdf

Real Goods, Batteries: Questions and Answers

http://www.solareco.com/articles/article.cfm?id=44

Global Sustainable Energy Solutions Battery reference page

http://www.greenhouse.gov.au/yourhome/technical/pdf/fs410. pdf