Page 3 - PS Battery Guide May 18

Battery guide For PowerSpout

CONTENTS

Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 5
Why batteries? .............................................................................................................................. 5
Glossary of terms ................................................................................................................ 6
Simple equations: ........................................................................................................................ 6
Lithium battery guides ..................................................................................................... 6

Battery specifications explained ................................................................................... 7
Voltage ............................................................................................................................................. 7
Amphours ....................................................................................................................................... 7
Rate .............................................................................................................................................................. 7
Percentage Depth of Discharge (DOD) duty ................................................................................ 7
Multiple strings ....................................................................................................................................... 8
Energy capacity kWh .................................................................................................................. 8
Weight and dimensions ............................................................................................................. 9
Efficiency ......................................................................................................................................... 9
Specifying the right size of battery ............................................................................ 10
Energy storage ............................................................................................................................ 10
Power handling .......................................................................................................................... 10
Example ......................................................................................................................................... 10
Energy .......................................................................................................................................................11
Power ........................................................................................................................................................11

Living with batteries ....................................................................................................... 12
Battery voltmeter ...................................................................................................................... 12
Amphour indicator .................................................................................................................... 12
Hydrometer ................................................................................................................................. 12
Battery types ..................................................................................................................... 13
Lead Acid ....................................................................................................................................... 13
"Flooded" or FLA batteries ...............................................................................................................14
Industrial or "traction" batteries ...................................................................................................14
Sealed lead acid batteries (SLA) .....................................................................................................15
Nano-Carbon (often called advance lead) ..................................................................................16
Lithium batteries ....................................................................................................................... 16
Depth of Discharge. .............................................................................................................................17
Cycle Life ..................................................................................................................................................17
Efficiency .................................................................................................................................................17
Relative costs of lead batteries in ($NZ 2018) ................................................................ 17
Life cycle cost .........................................................................................................................................18
Charge and discharge rates ..............................................................................................................19
Physical size and weight ....................................................................................................................19
Safety .........................................................................................................................................................19
Compatibility ..........................................................................................................................................19
Cost .............................................................................................................................................................19
Other battery types ................................................................................................................... 19
Lead Acid battery safety ................................................................................................ 20
Battery explosion hazards ................................................................................................................21
Example of real life experience ............................................................................................ 21

Lead acid battery housing............................................................................................. 23

© 2018 EcoInnovation Ltd (NZ) Page 3
Last reviewed 19/6/18