----- Original Message -----
Sent: Saturday, April 27, 2002 1:57
PM
Subject: Re: [pvusers] Batteries
Chris,
It is good that you tested your batteries before buying them, but
even though your friend says they are still 100%, I don't believe it for a
minute. I have seen too many batteries die after sitting uncharged for a yr to
1.5 yrs. The positive plates build sulphate crystals. They may take a charge,
but the efficiency will be lower than the usual 80%. I strongly suggest
you install either a Trace TM500 or an Emeter or any other type of
sophitsicated battery monitor which has a shunt and truly measures amps in vs.
amps out with some type of internal algorithym based on Puekaerts equation.
Then you will know when your batteries are really down (it will have a simple
percentage value, showing how much is left) and try to put a charge back
on them or reduce your loads and not run them below 60% of their normal
capacity. You should be able to get a couple years out of them
that way, but if they were really new, you might have get 5.The Trace TM500
was ! formerly called the Trimetric meter, designed and sold by Ralph Hiesey
of Bogart Engineering, and is one of the best meters available at a reasonable
cost.
