Any problem with stacking batteries vertically in a cabinet?

rp3703

Since it seems you guys can always think of stuff I am overlooking, I thought I’d run this by you first. To save room, I would like to build a battery cabinet that will attach to the outside of my vacation cabin. The cabinet will have three strings of 4 batteries, 12 total, so there will be three shelves and I plan to use heavy duty drawer slides to allow me to slide out the batteries for servicing. I realize this cabinet will end up weighing about 800 lbs fully loaded so it will need to be heavily reinforced. The shelves will probably be about 3’ wide and I will probably create a space to one side to house the inverter as well. I just want to make sure I’m not missing some sort of issue with stacking batteries like this in a vertical fashion. 

littleharbor2

Sealed batteries are housed this way all the time. That being said, sealed batteries wouldn't necessarily need roll out shelves as you wouldn't need to be checking electrolyte levels and specific gravity. Make sure the cabinet is firmly attached to the building to prevent tipping when rolling out batteries.  Of course your cables will have to be longer than without rollers. 

mcgivor

Can you clarify mounting vertically, in a normal horizontal position, or on end?

rp3703

Vertically as in three horizontal rows of 4 batteries stacked vertically. The batteries are FLA's so I will need to check fluid levels, which is why I want them to slide out. That way I can make the cabinet as tight as possible. Yes cables will need to be longer to accommodate and cabinet will be attached to side of house so it won't tip. I may also try to separate it from house by 3-4" and wrap outside in leftover metal roof to try and reduce fire risk.

mcgivor

Given the weight it may be better to build a stepped rack, just a thought, no cable movement no sliding draws.

westbranch

you will probably need a vertical mid line support of 2 x 8 or 2 x 6 due to the weight..

rp3703

Stepped, I like it. Maybe something like this. The top would have to be removable or tilt up to allow access to the top row of batteries. 

littleharbor2

Positive buss bar on one side wall, negative on the other side wall. Keep all battery to buss cabling identical length.

rp3703

Yup, already discussed that in another thread. Thanks.

Estragon

+1on the stepped design. Simpler, safer, and it also reduces the chance of stray gassing mist weakening the bottom of the shelf above.

One potential complication is temperature compensation if the upper shelf ambient temp gets materially different (hotter) than the lowest. In a shaded shaded location with good venting, it may not be an issue. Just a thought.