Battery University ... just about everything about batteries

Found this accidentally, thought it may help someone: http://batteryuniversity.com/learn/
5kVA Victron Multiplus II, 5.2kW array, 14kWh DIYLifepo4 bank, all grid-tied.


Comments

  • unseenone
    unseenone Solar Expert Posts: 61
    Well, thanks -- I'm guessing you are an expert on Load Shedding.... :)
  • South Africa
    South Africa Solar Expert Posts: 295 ✭✭✭
    Do not know what the rest of the world knows, but everyone here have become experts, or at least are trying to. :-)

    But please, credit must be given to cANCer (whom are 100% to blame for this mess) whom are forcing us to become backup system experts. :-)

    One of 100's of good articles: http://www.theintelligencebulletin.co.za/articles/eskom-watch-2024.html

    And the possibility of an increase (requested by the utilities) of +-25% from Jun 2015 onward, with load shedding probably for 10 years from the day they start to fix the grid ... it will become open season for solar / wind / mini grids I believe, leaving the cANCer with even less funds to pillage from. :-)

    O wait, cANCer is against that also. :-)
    5kVA Victron Multiplus II, 5.2kW array, 14kWh DIYLifepo4 bank, all grid-tied.


  • South Africa
    South Africa Solar Expert Posts: 295 ✭✭✭
    It is seriously concerning: http://www.iol.co.za/business/news/huge-hike-looms-if-eskom-gets-its-way-1.1836190#.VRWzV_mUcmI, powerring a countries grid using diesel.

    But it is ok, if we are left to fix it, it will be fixed ... if there are no more meddling from the cANCer.
    5kVA Victron Multiplus II, 5.2kW array, 14kWh DIYLifepo4 bank, all grid-tied.


  • unseenone
    unseenone Solar Expert Posts: 61
    I've got friends there, I've heard it all. What sort of solar are you running?
  • South Africa
    South Africa Solar Expert Posts: 295 ✭✭✭
    3 x 310w Tenesol panels connected to a Morningstar Tristar 45 controller.
    2 x 200w Tenesol panels connected to a Victron 75/15 MPPT controller.
    4 x 105ah batteries.
    Victron 1600w inverter.
    Victron battery monitor.

    Automated Changeover switch for computers:
    - Utilities is backup for rainy days
    - Batteries backup if, sorry, when utilities and sun conspire to have coordinated load shedding schedules.
    Lights and 2 small fridges run 24/7 on system.

    Ps. Yes, the controllers may be arguing but so far it is working well.
    Was choice between having both controllers connected to same set of batteries or getting another inverter ... took a view that batteries do fail eventually, for now.
    It is a system that started years ago before I learned that do not buy panels in batches ... you will not find more of the same batch later. :-)
    5kVA Victron Multiplus II, 5.2kW array, 14kWh DIYLifepo4 bank, all grid-tied.


  • unseenone
    unseenone Solar Expert Posts: 61
    I like the Tristar, that is what I use. Are they sold there? I need to get someone to sort a small system for my friend there.
  • South Africa
    South Africa Solar Expert Posts: 295 ✭✭✭
    Yes. I can try and help. PM me with the details.

    Have recently started selling selected solar controllers / equipment, batteries and Yingli solar PV panels, to people who want to experiment / learn.
    5kVA Victron Multiplus II, 5.2kW array, 14kWh DIYLifepo4 bank, all grid-tied.


  • BisM
    BisM Registered Users Posts: 13
    Found this accidentally, thought it may help someone: http://batteryuniversity.com/learn/


    Wow this page is rammed with information! Did you write help write all this stuff- great job if you did :)
  • sridharTS
    sridharTS Registered Users Posts: 33
    If 10.8 kw pv system is installed, my load and energy is 9000watt and 64500 watthr/day. What would be my inverter size be choosen