Two 24v battery bank with 8 6v batteries

gjlsan

Hi,

I'm trying to configure two 24v battery bank with 8 6v batteries (S-550). Is the diagram attached correct?

Estragon

It seems to me the string on the left may get a better charge from the controller, and the string on the right may carry more discharge load to the inverter.

I would either:
1. Run two short equal lengths of wire from each string + and - to a common attachment point for controller and inverter + and -
OR
2. Attach the both controller and inverter + on (eg) the left string, and both - on the right.

My personal choice would be #1, as getting multiple good connections on a single battery post can be hard.

The idea is to get equal resistance between the strings. More info at
http://www.smartgauge.co.uk/batt_con.html

Also, there should be a fuse/breaker (sized per manufacturers spec.) between the controller + and batteries. I'm assuming that's a fuse on the inverter +. My preference is breakers, as they make handy shut-offs, but fuses are ok.

gjlsan

Thanks,

The configuration has the breakers on the combiner box before the controller. Is there still need for a breaker/fuse after the controllere?

Estragon said:

Also, there should be a fuse/breaker (sized per manufacturers spec.) between the controller + and batteries. I'm assuming that's a fuse on the inverter +. My preference is breakers, as they make handy shut-offs, but fuses are ok.

mcgivor

Installing a circuit breaker on the output of the controller is required to protect the conductors between the battery/controller from becoming the fuse in the event of a short circuit within the controller itself or terminals etcetera, the battery is capable of supplying massive amounts of current. In addition it will provide a means of disconnect should the controller, which is powered by the battery, need to be rebooted for example. When installing the breaker it is important to remember the battery is the source, or the component with the highest energy potential, so if the breaker is polarized, the battery should be connected to the terminal marked +.

Estragon

Yes, a fuse/breaker is needed between the controller and bank, for the reasons McGivor notes.