Testing batteries with load tester

jcheiljcheil Solar Expert Posts: 722 ✭✭✭
in Advanced Solar Electric Technical Forum #1
Can you test individual batteries in a string with one of these without disconnecting all the interconnects?

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Off-Grid in Central Florida since 2005, Full-Time since June 2014 | 12 X Sovello 205w panels, 9 X ToPoint 220w panels, 36x ToPoint 225w panels (12,525 watts total) | Custom built single-axis ground mounts | Complete FP2 Outback System: 3 x FM80, 2 x VFX3648, X240 Transformer, FLEXnet-DC, Mate-3, Hub-10, FW500 AC/DC | 24 x Trojan L16RE-B Batteries 1110ah @ 48v | Honda EU7000is Generator and a pile of "other" Generators | Home-Made PVC solar hot water collector | Custom data logging software http://www.somewhatcrookedcamp.com/monitormate.html
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  • CariboocootCariboocoot Banned Posts: 17,615 ✭✭
    #2
    Re: Testing batteries with load tester

    Yes, as long as the string isn't connected to anything (no load/charging on the terminus).
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  • ILFEILFE Solar Expert Posts: 364 ✭✭
    #3
    Re: Testing batteries with load tester



    jcheil    ,

    How much are those load testers nowadays, in the US?
    Paul
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  • jcheiljcheil Solar Expert Posts: 722 ✭✭✭
    #4
    Re: Testing batteries with load tester
    ILFE wrote: »


    jcheil    ,

    How much are those load testers nowadays, in the US?

    $19.99 right now at Harbor Freight.
    Off-Grid in Central Florida since 2005, Full-Time since June 2014 | 12 X Sovello 205w panels, 9 X ToPoint 220w panels, 36x ToPoint 225w panels (12,525 watts total) | Custom built single-axis ground mounts | Complete FP2 Outback System: 3 x FM80, 2 x VFX3648, X240 Transformer, FLEXnet-DC, Mate-3, Hub-10, FW500 AC/DC | 24 x Trojan L16RE-B Batteries 1110ah @ 48v | Honda EU7000is Generator and a pile of "other" Generators | Home-Made PVC solar hot water collector | Custom data logging software http://www.somewhatcrookedcamp.com/monitormate.html
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  • mike95490mike95490 Solar Expert Posts: 9,582 ✭✭✭✭✭
    #5
    Re: Testing batteries with load tester

    You need to "test" each battery for the same amount of time, or you will have to equalize the bank afterwards.
    Powerfab top of pole PV mount | Listeroid 6/1 w/st5 gen head | XW6048 inverter/chgr | Iota 48V/15A charger | Morningstar 60A MPPT | 48V, 800A NiFe Battery (in series)| 15, Evergreen 205w "12V" PV array on pole | Midnight ePanel | Grundfos 10 SO5-9 with 3 wire Franklin Electric motor (1/2hp 240V 1ph ) on a timer for 3 hr noontime run - Runs off PV ||
    || Midnight Classic 200 | 10, Evergreen 200w in a 160VOC array ||
    || VEC1093 12V Charger | Maha C401 aa/aaa Charger | SureSine | Sunsaver MPPT 15A

    solar: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Solar
    gen: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Lister ,

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  • BB.BB. Super Moderators, Administrators Posts: 32,641 admin
    #6
    Re: Testing batteries with load tester

    Usual battery bank safety... Wear a face shield and some sort of gloves to protect against acid/flash burns. Assume that at some point, the clamps will generate some sparks. Ventilate the battery box/bank well, cover cell caps with a damp towel or something similar.

    Sounds like over kill--But I would rather everyone be safe rather than sorry.

    -Bill
    Near San Francisco California: 3.5kWatt Grid Tied Solar power system+small backup genset
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  • ILFEILFE Solar Expert Posts: 364 ✭✭
    #7
    Re: Testing batteries with load tester

    What is the ratio for the mixture to neutralize the acid?

    1 pound of baking soda to 1 gallon of water? Am I correct there?
    Paul
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  • westbranchwestbranch Solar Expert Posts: 5,183 ✭✭✭✭
    #8
    Re: Testing batteries with load tester

    this little clip on SoC just came in http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWzC_yaMHkE&feature=youtu.be

    may be of use..
     
    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
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  • mike95490mike95490 Solar Expert Posts: 9,582 ✭✭✭✭✭
    #9
    Re: Testing batteries with load tester
    ILFE wrote: »
    What is the ratio for the mixture to neutralize the acid?

    1 pound of baking soda to 1 gallon of water? Am I correct there?

    Much less, and applied in several batches. Each reaction causes heat, so too much "base" mixed with "acid" gets you thermal burns in addition to the acid burns.
    Powerfab top of pole PV mount | Listeroid 6/1 w/st5 gen head | XW6048 inverter/chgr | Iota 48V/15A charger | Morningstar 60A MPPT | 48V, 800A NiFe Battery (in series)| 15, Evergreen 205w "12V" PV array on pole | Midnight ePanel | Grundfos 10 SO5-9 with 3 wire Franklin Electric motor (1/2hp 240V 1ph ) on a timer for 3 hr noontime run - Runs off PV ||
    || Midnight Classic 200 | 10, Evergreen 200w in a 160VOC array ||
    || VEC1093 12V Charger | Maha C401 aa/aaa Charger | SureSine | Sunsaver MPPT 15A

    solar: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Solar
    gen: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Lister ,

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  • PNjunctionPNjunction Solar Expert Posts: 762 ✭✭✭
    #10
    Re: Testing batteries with load tester

    Don't be too alarmed if things get a little smoky / burnt smelling the first few times you use it.
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