Series rule of thumb

plongson
plongson Solar Expert Posts: 115 ✭✭
What is the rule of thumb for the max number of parallel strings for battery banks? Is it 3?
3500w solar, 800AH with Rolls Surrette, Magnum inverter, Midnite charge controller, Kubota 21kW diesel genset...private well...and just recently connected to city power for additional options...nice to have options 

Comments

  • BB.
    BB. Super Moderators, Administrators Posts: 33,431 admin
    Re: Series rule of thumb

    My personal recommendation is try to find cell AH ratings (even down to 2 volt single cells) that allow you to have one series string--ideally.

    2-3 strings if you cannot.

    You can certainly parallel 4 or more strings--but I personally would avoid it unless you have no other cost effective solution available.

    And, you should, with parallel strings, have a fuse/breaker per string to prevent the other strings from feeding excessive current into a shorted string.

    The downsides with parallel battery strings are (again, my list, others may have other issues or disagree with me):
    • Sharing of current during charging/discharging should be monitored. A bad cell, poor wiring connection, etc. is not obvious unless you are using a DC current clamp meter to ensure that parallel strings are sharing the current flow (here like this inexpensive meter)
    • An open cell can stop a parallel string from charging/discharging (see clamp meter to check)
    • A shorted cell can discharge an entire bank
    • Lots of cells to check electrolyte levels
    • Lots of electrical connections/batteries to check and keep clean
    • Lots of extra fuses/breakers/wiring with parallel strings
    • More parts, more things to go wrong

    When monitoring current sharing--It turns out for paralleled battery sources, that "very low resistance" paths are actually the weak point in the system. The lowest resistance path (shortest, heaviest, lowest resistance battery cells/string) carries the most current. From my experience of working with paralleled current conductors in computers/lab equipment, the lowest resistance path carries the most current. Since Power=I2R, those connections are the ones that overheat first and fail. That is why it is very important that the wire lengths be balanced between parallel paths/connections. (paralleling current sources--such as solar panels, do not have this issue of needing matched resistance wiring paths)

    Some people will like the idea of parallel strings add redundancy to a system. If one string goes bad, it can be disconnected and the bank still functions until the bad cell/battery/connection can be fixed/replaced.

    Also, large capacity cells/batteries are heavy. You can get around this, somewhat, by finding 6/4/2 volt cells (if you need to move around by hand).

    And there are many people that have parallel strings of batteries and are very happy with their operation.

    -Bill "my two cents" B.

    PS:
    vtmaps wrote: »
    CallMeChaz, I agree with the advice given above. In order to diagnose and treat your massively parallel battery bank you should understand the nature of parallel battery problems. Bill has just an hour or so ago written a good explanation in another thread:
    http://forum.solar-electric.com/showthread.php?14674 [this thread here. -Bill B.]

    Not quite as useful as Bill's post is an article in the latest issue of Home Power magazine (#147 Feb-March 2012). The article describes a single string as "Most Desirable". It says "some designers prefer two strings for redundancy -- in case one battery or cell fails, there will still be one functional series string at the correct voltage to rely on". It also says "three parallel strings are considered marginally acceptable". More than three strings are "undesirable".

    The Home Power article does not do a thorough job of explaining why multiple strings are so problematic. Let me add to what Bill has written: Parallel strings of identical batteries with perfect connections are themselves thermally unstable. If one string is a bit warmer than the others (inevitable) it will draw more charging current than the other strings which will make it warmer which will make it draw more current which will make it warmer which will make it draw more current which will _____ (fill in the blank and buy new batteries).
    --vtMaps

    vtMaps has a very good point. Matching charging on parallel strings that are not at the same temperature will over charge the "hot string" while undercharging the cold strings. In addition to the whole thermal run-a-way issues (hot string, voltage falls, accepts more current, string gets hotter, etc.).
    Near San Francisco California: 3.5kWatt Grid Tied Solar power system+small backup genset
  • waynefromnscanada
    waynefromnscanada Solar Expert Posts: 3,009 ✭✭✭✭
    Re: Series rule of thumb

    I'm not speaking to "rule of thumb", rather to my experience, where I'll go with my next battery pack, and why.
    Right now, I have six, L-16, 6 volt batteries in 3 series strings for 12 volts. This requires 12 battery connections and 18 cells to check for SG, water and EQ. A pain in the butt, and a worry about one of the strings drifting off because of some undetected interconnection resistance that the other strings would hide.
    My next pack will be again 6 batteries of the L-16 size, but will be single cell, 2 volt batteries. I'll then have one single string of batteries, only 6 cells instead of 18 to check for SG and water, and only 5 battery interconnections instead of the present 12. Any problems will appear as strange voltage readings, alarming me to problems, and not be hidden by other strings.
  • plongson
    plongson Solar Expert Posts: 115 ✭✭
    Re: Series rule of thumb

    This is real interesting, Looking at NAWS pricing on 2v vs 6v batteries, it appears you get WAY more bang for your buck. Surette s-530 are 400aH and the 2v are like almost 1100aH. If you have enough panel to charge them, it seems the 2v would be a sweet way to go. Boy, it would be a big system at 48v though! 24, 1100 aH batteries x $380= $9k !!
    3500w solar, 800AH with Rolls Surrette, Magnum inverter, Midnite charge controller, Kubota 21kW diesel genset...private well...and just recently connected to city power for additional options...nice to have options 
  • BB.
    BB. Super Moderators, Administrators Posts: 33,431 admin
    Re: Series rule of thumb

    No--not really. Need to remember that one battery is 6 volts and the other is 2 volts (energy=Volts*amp*time):
    • 6 volts * 400 AH = 2,400 Watt*Hours of energy storage
    • 2 volts * 1,110 AH = 2,200 Watt*Hours of energy storage

    Roughly, the two batteries of similar construction should be priced on the $/lb price of the lead (and copper+plastic+acid+labor+etc.) components.

    -Bill
    Near San Francisco California: 3.5kWatt Grid Tied Solar power system+small backup genset
  • plongson
    plongson Solar Expert Posts: 115 ✭✭
    Re: Series rule of thumb

    Dang Bill, ya caught me. I didn't think of that. DUHHH!!
    Thanks! Paul
    3500w solar, 800AH with Rolls Surrette, Magnum inverter, Midnite charge controller, Kubota 21kW diesel genset...private well...and just recently connected to city power for additional options...nice to have options 
  • westbranch
    westbranch Solar Expert Posts: 5,183 ✭✭✭✭
    Re: Series rule of thumb

    Paul, there is also a 4 v series http://www.escience.ca/gensci/RENDER/1017/2041/3125/13462.html

    BUT pricey at least up here.
     
    KID #51B  4s 140W to 24V 900Ah C&D AGM
    CL#29032 FW 2126/ 2073/ 2133 175A E-Panel WBjr, 3 x 4s 140W to 24V 900Ah C&D AGM 
    Cotek ST1500W 24V Inverter,OmniCharge 3024,
    2 x Cisco WRT54GL i/c DD-WRT Rtr & Bridge,
    Eu3/2/1000i Gens, 1680W & E-Panel/WBjr to come, CL #647 asleep
    West Chilcotin, BC, Canada
  • SolaRevolution
    SolaRevolution Solar Expert Posts: 410 ✭✭
    Re: Series rule of thumb

    Larger cells are generally the way to go but don't forget the labor involved in moving them.

    I can move a 300 lb battery, from a trailer across fairly level ground and up or down a step or two, with a hand truck and a helper. Anything larger or less friendly terrain generally requires some sort of equipment.

    The added expense and hassel of interconnect cables for multiple strings is nothing to laugh at either.
  • BB.
    BB. Super Moderators, Administrators Posts: 33,431 admin
    Re: Series rule of thumb

    This is why large 4 and 2 volt cells can be nice to make a large single (or reduced number of) string bank:

    • 6 volts * 400 AH = 2,400 Watt*Hours of energy storage
    • 2 volts * 1,110 AH = 2,200 Watt*Hours of energy storage

    Both batteries are about the same storage capacity and probably nearly the same weight. But you can go from three parallel strings to one string by using the 2 volt cell. A set of 4000 series cells:

    • 2 volt Surrette @ 1,200 AH weighs 121 lb / 54.88 kg (2,400 Watt*Hours) $415
    • 6 volt Surrette @ 350 AH weighs 108 lb / 48.99 kg (2,100 Watt*Hours) $326

    -Bill
    Near San Francisco California: 3.5kWatt Grid Tied Solar power system+small backup genset
  • Vic
    Vic Solar Expert Posts: 3,208 ✭✭✭✭
    Re: Series rule of thumb

    Well, I've found that the 315 Lb Surrettes -- 4KS25 are fairly easily moved with no help, from a pickup bed into the power room. Any heavier, and I do not have enough mass to tilt the hand-truck back. Have been able to guide them up and down a ramp from the tailgate into a room.

    Once inside the room, they are tall enough, just over 24" IIRC, that one has enough leverage to move them easily. Going into a basement, or up/down stairs would be a different story, for an old guy like me. YMMV, Vic
    Off Grid - Two systems -- 4 SW+ 5548 Inverters, Surrette 4KS25 1280 AH X2@48V, 11.1 KW STC PV, 4X MidNite Classic 150 w/ WBjrs, Beta KID on S-530s, MX-60s, MN Bkrs/Boxes.  25 KVA Polyphase Kubota diesel,  Honda Eu6500isa,  Eu3000is-es, Eu2000,  Eu1000 gensets.  Thanks Wind-Sun for this great Forum.
  • silvertop
    silvertop Solar Expert Posts: 155 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Re: Series rule of thumb

    I have also heard more than three parallel strings allow too many paths for the electrons and some cells can be undercharged. I have three strings, and due to the height and size of my vented box I am running 6 Volt x 4 /24 Volt /three strings. The bank is new and I would love to put in a fourth string for cloudy days, but have been very hesitant; maybe it wouldnt be that bad ? I'm glad someone started this thread. If I had it to do over one string would be the best!
    Also anyone have a recommendation on the series string fuse size? I run my T class fuse for the entire bank but I can see the logic of fusing each string for safety.
  • BB.
    BB. Super Moderators, Administrators Posts: 33,431 admin
    Re: Series rule of thumb

    The first limit is that of the sizing of your battery interconnect wiring... Your T type fuse is probably fine (in general) for your needs--You just need to review each physical string for its wire/cable ratings and your expected loads. So, at the very least, if you have three strings, you should have 3 T fuses (one per string). When cable leaves your common + bus, then each cable that leaves should have its own fuse/breaker for its protection (i.e., you have 2 awg connecting battery to bus, then some 6/8/12 awg wire leaving for various uses--each lead needs its own dedicated fuse/breaker).

    The NEC table is very conservative. for example, 2 awg wire is rated around 95 to 130 amps. Type of insulation, conduit size/fill or free air, etc. all have an effect.

    American Boating and Yacht Council allows much more current... 2 awg is 178-210 amps maximum.

    The next limit (which should meet above or less) is the maximum continuous current that you would expect.

    Obviously, for a single string battery, that current * 1.25 (NEC Design Factor) for the wiring/fuse minimum rating (i.e., 100 amps * 1.25, fuse and wiring should be rated for a minimum of 125 amps).

    When you have parallel battery strings... How good will your current sharing be? For two to three or more parallel strings, I would plan on the worst case string being cable of carrying nearly 100% of the rated load current (don't count on each string carrying 1/3rd of the current in a three string battery bank). If you have lots of strings (like 4 or more), I would would plan on the worst case string still carrying at least 50% of the load (unbalanced batteries, good/bad connections, a failed cell somewhere, etc.).

    Now, because most people (especially for low voltage banks like 12 volts), design for minimum voltage drop. The actual copper cable will probably carry 200+ amps when your load is (something like) 100 amps. So, you would have the option of fusing somewhere between 125 amps and 200 amps.

    If you fuse 125 amps, you may have more nuisance trips. If you have 200 amp fusing, you may have more fire works (glowing cables, etc.).

    Also, many fuses are available in slow or fast blow... If you have "surging loads" (typically pumps), you have a choice of fusing for the lower value with a time delay fuse/breaker. That can protect a motor's windings when stalled--If so, I would suggest that the time delay fuse be installed directly on the motor instead of at your inverter input fuse.

    If you have a wiring/inverter fault, you probably want the fuse to clear/break/trip quickly.

    Also adding up surging loads (pumps) with static loads (lights, electronics, etc.) is easier to use a larger fast blow fuse to support the wiring / inverter loads... Remember, branch circuit fusing is there to protect the wiring, not the devices (if an inverter pops a DC Input fuse--the max fuse rating for the inverter is designed to help keep the "flaming bits" inside the inverter--so too large of fuse on the inverter can be a safety problem--not just a "repair" problem.

    For ground referenced systems (i.e., negative ground to earth/safety/metal chassis grounds), you only need one fuse/breaker in the "hot" (or positive in this example) lead.

    For best current sharing--check your battery bank wiring--it should be something like this:

    www.smartgauge.co.uk/batt_con.html

    I suggest using a DC Current Clamp Meter (such as this inexpensive one) to insure that your battery strings are properly sharing current (on average--it will never be 1/3-1/3-1/3 equal sharing---As a guess, if the lowest and highest, worst case sharing, was within a factor of two of each other--such as 15 amps low vs 30 amps high--That would be my point of concern/investigation.

    Note that lead acid batteries have very low internal resistance... On the order of a few feet of their interconnect cable (very roughly)... So, if one string had 2x the amount of cable (or poor connections, etc.), then that string would carry less current--both discharging and charging.

    -Bill
    Near San Francisco California: 3.5kWatt Grid Tied Solar power system+small backup genset
  • silvertop
    silvertop Solar Expert Posts: 155 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Re: Series rule of thumb

    Thanks BB
    I'll need to sleep on this info, my T fuse is 200 amp #2/0 cable and I have considered lowering this to a 150 Amp. All series string cables #1 cable and all equal length . All parellel interconnect cables #2/0 all equal length. Maybe my parallel interconnect fuses should be approximately 150 amp-that's a little bit more conservative than my T fuse. Any thoughts?