Nickel-Iron batteries

lazza

HI

Just come across a guy with a load of nickel iron batteries. He wants to integrate them into a normal 24V off-grid system. I've never worked with these type of batteries before

Can they be charged with the same charging parameters as lead-acid batteries?

Cheers
Larry

BB.

Re: Nickel-Iron batteries

Here is one thread from a couple years ago with lots of information and links:

Compare Nickel-Iron Edison Batteries and Chinese Ni-Fe Cells

-Bill

mike95490

Re: Nickel-Iron batteries

NO, NiFe batteries need higher charging voltage than lead-acid banks of the same base voltage.

You need to program you solar and AC based chargers to meet those needs. Just charging to lead-acid will barely give you half capacity. EQ voltage is getting close to the daily charge voltage needed. I charge my 48V bank at 67V, which the solar can manage, but my inverter, running as charger, can only get to 64v leaving me a bit short in cloudy weather.

MattZ

Mike95490
I also live offgrid and would like to compare 
It sounds like our Applications are similar
I have 48 Volt system 800 ah nickel iron
living offgrid 3 years
5000 sq ft house with all the normal amenities
I am wanting to add another bank to my system
I have been finding out the nickel iron may last longer if i discharge them less
Generator kicks on in the summer more than the winter due to the house heating up and the air conditioners having to run for Hours after the sun goes down
I live in Missouri 
Winters do not seem to be a problem
I am also curious if you know when to change electrolite and if i need to be testing for it. 
I love my System but ask me in 15 years