Day 16: BATTERIES Contd.

   

Day 16 of #100daysofSolarnuggets



    Yesterday we were introduced to the three sub-groups of solar (deep cycle) batteries, Today we shall go into a little more details about them.

.1) Flooded (wet) lead acid batteries.

    Now this are arguably the commonest of the three types but it's also very maintenance-intensive, you have to constantly monitor the batteries and occasionally  perform manual topping(add water to it).

     Now the major drawback of this battery is :

When faulty or damaged they can spill electrolyte and may also release  hydrogen which can be very harmful when the area is not properly ventilated,hydrogen is quite flammable.

      When using this kind of battery precaution has to be taken ,as much ass possible ensure the battery bank is situated in a place with proper ventilation ,if possible outside you home.

.2) GEL Lead Acid Batteries .

     This make use of a gel like substance to minimize the movement of the electrolyte, so if the battery casing and container are to crack for any reason, it won’t leak acid all over the place unlike the flooded type.

     Gel batteries do not require manual topping(adding of water)  now and then.

.3) AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) Lead Acid Batteries.

      This is an improvement over the gel type batteries, unlike the gel type that uses a gel like 

substance to minimize the electrolyte movement, AGM makes use of what we call Absorbed Glass Mat to hold the electrolyte in place. This is a lot better than gel and makes AGM spill proof ,It does not require manual topping.

  
  Another advantage Gel and AGM Batteries have over Flooded batteries is this, they are sealed, this means they would not release any form of gas when faulty or damaged.That is why both Gel and AGM batteries are called Valve regulated (Sealed) lead acid batteries.

    
 Traditionally AGM and Gel batteries are more expensive that flooded batteries but if you have a place with proper ventilation then flooded batteries are a great choice.

.

 Deep cycle batteries are not the only kind of batteries used in solar Installation as i would explain in our next article

Day 16 of #100daysofSolarnuggets

Thanks for reading,please do like ,comment ,ask a question or make a suggestion