Battery charging losses

tabbycat
tabbycat Solar Expert Posts: 55 ✭✭✭
Is it fair to say that using a charging voltage of 14.4 volts in determining the size of your solar array will compensate for battery losses? If you used 12 volts the array calculation would be smaller. Thanks.

Comments

  • petertearai
    petertearai Solar Expert Posts: 471 ✭✭✭✭
    Hi . I don't understand your Question .. Maybe a bit more info and background ?
    2225 wattts pv . Outback 2kw  fxr pure sine inverter . fm80 charge controller . Mate 3. victron battery monitor . 24 volts  in 2 volt Shoto lead carbon extreme batterys. off grid  holiday home 
  • vtmaps
    vtmaps Solar Expert Posts: 3,741 ✭✭✭✭
    tabbycat wrote: »
    Is it fair to say that using a charging voltage of 14.4 volts in determining the size of your solar array will compensate for battery losses? If you used 12 volts the array calculation would be smaller. Thanks.

    I assume you are referring to lead acid batteries. You will not be able to charge the batteries up to 100% SOC (state of charge) unless you use at least 14.4 volts. Yes, charging losses do increase with higher voltages, but you have no choice but to use the higher voltage unless you want to turn your batteries into scrap.

    I'm not sure what you are thinking or asking with regards to the size of the solar array.

    --vtMaps
    4 X 235watt Samsung, Midnite ePanel, Outback VFX3524 FM60 & mate, 4 Interstate L16, trimetric, Honda eu2000i
  • Wheelman55
    Wheelman55 Registered Users Posts: 233 ✭✭✭
    tabbycat wrote: »
    Is it fair to say that using a charging voltage of 14.4 volts in determining the size of your solar array will compensate for battery losses? If you used 12 volts the array calculation would be smaller. Thanks.

    You can think of battery charging with a water analogy. Water moves from a place of higher pressure to a place of lower pressure. Volts are the pressure. Simply put you need more volts on the array/charging input side than it takes to fully charge your battery. Meaning you need sufficient electrical pressure (Volts) to move current into the battery from the PV array.

    I am by no means an expert. I do know that there is a lot more to sizing a solar system than I had originally thought. You need to take into account various temperature multipliers/de-rate factors, soiling of panels, aging of panels, charge controller inefficiencies and more.
    Off-Grid in Terlingua, TX
    5,000 watt array - 14 CS 370 watt modules. HZLA horizontal tracker. Schneider: XW6048NA+, Mini PDP, MPPT 80-600, SCP. 390ah LiFeP04 battery bank - 3 Discover AES 42-48-6650 48 volt 130ah LiFePO4 batteries
  • lkruper
    lkruper Solar Expert Posts: 115 ✭✭
    tabbycat wrote: »
    Is it fair to say that using a charging voltage of 14.4 volts in determining the size of your solar array will compensate for battery losses? If you used 12 volts the array calculation would be smaller. Thanks.

    If I understand you, you are referring to two different things. If you refer, first, to calculating the amps for an MPPT controller by dividing the voltage of the panel by 14.4 and multiplying by the amps of the panel, then you will probably get a more accurate idea of the real amps from your system. However that difference will likely be well within any fudge factor that might be used (typically 1.5 for MPPT and 2 for PWM).

    Secondly, if you refer to the fact that you must put in more % into your battery than you get out, then there is nothing wrong with taking that into consideration. Don't recall off the top of my head, but you might need to put in 110% of what was used to get a full charge but only get 100% out.

  • tabbycat
    tabbycat Solar Expert Posts: 55 ✭✭✭
    The calculation from BB is bank AH's * Charging voltage / 0.77 (panel & controller derate) * charging rate = solar array req'd in watts. There is no allowance for bank charging efficiency. Thanks
  • inetdog
    inetdog Solar Expert Posts: 3,123 ✭✭✭✭
    lkruper wrote: »

    If I understand you, you are referring to two different things. If you refer, first, to calculating the amps for an MPPT controller by dividing the voltage of the panel by 14.4 and multiplying by the amps of the panel, then you will probably get a more accurate idea of the real amps from your system. However that difference will likely be well within any fudge factor that might be used (typically 1.5 for MPPT and 2 for PWM).

    Secondly, if you refer to the fact that you must put in more % into your battery than you get out, then there is nothing wrong with taking that into consideration. Don't recall off the top of my head, but you might need to put in 110% of what was used to get a full charge but only get 100% out.

    A much more common number for an MPPT CC is 95% efficiency (1.052 fudge factor). The panel efficiency relative to Standard Temperature and Conditions (STC) rating is handled separately.
    It is true that the panel voltage loss with temperature will affect the output of an MPPT CC but will not (up to a point) affect the output of a PWM CC.
    SMA SB 3000, old BP panels.
  • lkruper
    lkruper Solar Expert Posts: 115 ✭✭
    tabbycat wrote: »
    The calculation from BB is bank AH's * Charging voltage / 0.77 (panel & controller derate) * charging rate = solar array req'd in watts. There is no allowance for bank charging efficiency. Thanks


    I would like to learn more about this way of calculating array size. Is this in a sticky somewhere on the site?
  • lkruper
    lkruper Solar Expert Posts: 115 ✭✭
    inetdog wrote: »

    A much more common number for an MPPT CC is 95% efficiency (1.052 fudge factor). The panel efficiency relative to Standard Temperature and Conditions (STC) rating is handled separately.
    It is true that the panel voltage loss with temperature will affect the output of an MPPT CC but will not (up to a point) affect the output of a PWM CC.

    So, would you say that SK's 1.5 fudge factor is overly conservative and recommend using 1.052 instead?
  • BB.
    BB. Super Moderators, Administrators Posts: 33,431 admin
    I generally try to answer specific questions about folk's systems rather than a post on how to size your system... The actual sizing of a system is really a "turn the crank" set of calculations--It is the questions about loads, needs, conservation, alternatives to electric power, etc...

    I try to be careful and run the same calculations (fudge factors) in specific order and based on specific system needs (DC vs AC inverter, flooded cell vs AGM, etc., where the system will be installed, local weather/solar insolation, availability of others fuels, etc.).

    But, I can run a quick set of calculations to show the basics. The first pass calculations work for almost any size system (small or large). The second pass equipment selection, etc. is when the differences between hardware/choices become important. Note, I am using the "standard" deratings (flooded cell battery, AC inverter, etc.). You can modify to your needs, or ask for suggestion on tweaking for you application.

    A 3.3 kWH per day system: Refrigerator, well pump, clothes washer, Laptop+Internet, LED lighting, cell phone charger, TV... As close to "normal" electrical living with off grid solar (and lots of conservation--Using wood/propane/solar thermal/etc. for heating/hot water/etc.)--Without spending a huge amount of money. Near Atlanta Georgia.

    First, sizing the battery bank... 1-3 days of storage, 50% maximum discharge. 2 days of storage (no sun), and 50% max discharge (for longer lead acid battery life) seems to be a good system for most people.
    • 3,300 WH per day * 1/0.85 inverter eff * 1/24 volt battery bank * 2 days storage * 1/0.50 maximum discharge = 647 AH @ 24 volt battery bank
    Why 24 volts? I have done this calculation a bunch and know that 24 volts is the minimum bank voltage I would suggest. The detailed answer is that when a battery bank is over ~800 AH in capacity, for various reasons, it is better to got to the next voltage level.

    For example, the above for 12 volts would give a 1,297 AH @ 12 volt battery bank--Usually too large of AH capacity for our needs. Very heavy copper wiring, several 80 Amp Solar charge controllers, problems with high current flow (inverters, charge controllers) and voltage drop... So, 24 volt battery bank (or possibly even 48 volt battery bank) is a better fit.

    Next, sizing the solar array... Two sets of calculations. First set is based on Battery Bank capacity. A large lead acid battery bank needs a large charging source to properly recharge the batteries (for long life). Typically we use 5% to 13% rate of charge (based on battery's 20 Hour capacity numbers). 5% can work for a weekend/seasonal cabin. 10% or more for full time off grid cabin/home (9 months or more per year) suggested.

    Solar panels are as cheap, and batteries are expensive. Installing more solar panels is usually a good idea (healthy batteries, don't have to watch the system as closely, less generator run time/fuel costs).
    • 647 AH * 29 volts charging * 1/0.77 panel+controller derating * 0.05 rate of charge = 1,218 Watt array minimum
    • 647 AH * 29 volts charging * 1/0.77 panel+controller derating * 0.10 rate of charge = 2,437 Watt array nominal
    • 647 AH * 29 volts charging * 1/0.77 panel+controller derating * 0.13 rate of charge = 3,168 Watt array "cost effective" maximum
    More "fudge" factors. Notice that I use the battery charging voltage of 29 volts. And a panel+controller derating of 0.77 (77% efficiency). AGM batteries charge at 27.8 volts or so.

    And notice that I do not differentiate between PWM and MPPT type charge controllers--For our discussion here, there is not enough difference between the two types of controllers (over all system efficiency) to worry about... They have quite different calculations for efficiency and such. But in the end, for a properly designed system in a moderate to warm climate--Not really any difference in overall harvest (for our needs, they are within ~10% of each other's overall harvest).

    There are reasons to pick MPPT over PWM in many cases (larger systems, cost issues, design decisions, etc.)--But leave that for another post.

    Next, need to size the array based on the amount of sun. PV Watts 1.0 (old version) was just taken down in the last few days, so will use another data source for now (I like simple/accurate data that does not through in more "fudge factors"--Which can make things more confusing).

    For a fixed array, tilted to best year round performance, in Atlanta Georgia (note, the SolarElectricHandbook seems to have mixed up Georgia USA with the Republic of Georgia--Hopefully the data for Atlanta is OK--Would need to verify with another source for "real" calculation): [h=3]Atlanta
    Average Solar Insolation figures[/h] Measured in kWh/m2/day onto a solar panel set at a 56° angle (from vertical):
    (For best year-round performance)

    Jan
    Feb
    Mar
    Apr
    May
    Jun


    3.37

    3.76

    4.62

    4.98

    5.09

    4.75



    Jul
    Aug
    Sep
    Oct
    Nov
    Dec


    4.92

    4.76

    4.58

    4.67

    3.76

    3.34




    Typically, I toss the bottom three months (winter) and assume that folks will run a genset for bad weather--Of course, you can make other decisions. Here, February (and November) with 3.76 hours of sun would be the "break even" month for genset usage (some years you need the genset, others you may not).
    • 3,300 WH per day * 1/0.52 end to end off grid system eff for AC inverter+Flooded cell battery * 1/3.76 Hours of sun = 1,688 Watt array "minimum" based on loads+sun
    So between the 1,688 Watt array needed based on loads and hours of sun, and the numbers based on battery bank capacity of 1,218/2,437/3,168 Watt array--For a full time off grid system I would suggest ~2,473 Watt array... And such an array would generate on an average February/November day:
    • 2,437 Watt array * 0.52 off grid system eff. * 3.76 hours of sun = 4,765 Watt*Hours per day
    So--That gives you some extra power for optional loads during sunny weather--Plus some extra power for cloudy days/when guests come by, etc.

    We now have the basics--Battery Bank sizing and Array sizing... And now can look at specific hardware to support those power levels.

    -Bill
    Near San Francisco California: 3.5kWatt Grid Tied Solar power system+small backup genset
  • inetdog
    inetdog Solar Expert Posts: 3,123 ✭✭✭✭
    lkruper wrote: »

    So, would you say that SK's 1.5 fudge factor is overly conservative and recommend using 1.052 instead?
    Yes and no. That number is just the energy loss in the CC. You will need to multiply it by the panel temperature losses and wiring losses too. And then factor in the charging efficiency (both Coulombic and energy) of your batteries.
    1.052 is just one part, and I am not sure how much SK was rolling into that one factor.

    SMA SB 3000, old BP panels.
  • lkruper
    lkruper Solar Expert Posts: 115 ✭✭
    BB. wrote: »
    I generally try to answer specific questions about folk's systems rather than a post on how to size your system... The actual sizing of a system is really a "turn the crank" set of calculations--It is the questions about loads, needs, conservation, alternatives to electric power, etc...

    I try to be careful and run the same calculations (fudge factors) in specific order and based on specific system needs (DC vs AC inverter, flooded cell vs AGM, etc., where the system will be installed, local weather/solar insolation, availability of others fuels, etc.).

    But, I can run a quick set of calculations to show the basics. The first pass calculations work for almost any size system (small or large). The second pass equipment selection, etc. is when the differences between hardware/choices become important. Note, I am using the "standard" deratings (flooded cell battery, AC inverter, etc.). You can modify to your needs, or ask for suggestion on tweaking for you application.

    A 3.3 kWH per day system: Refrigerator, well pump, clothes washer, Laptop+Internet, LED lighting, cell phone charger, TV... As close to "normal" electrical living with off grid solar (and lots of conservation--Using wood/propane/solar thermal/etc. for heating/hot water/etc.)--Without spending a huge amount of money. Near Atlanta Georgia.

    First, sizing the battery bank... 1-3 days of storage, 50% maximum discharge. 2 days of storage (no sun), and 50% max discharge (for longer lead acid battery life) seems to be a good system for most people.
    • 3,300 WH per day * 1/0.85 inverter eff * 1/24 volt battery bank * 2 days storage * 1/0.50 maximum discharge = 647 AH @ 24 volt battery bank

    Why 24 volts? I have done this calculation a bunch and know that 24 volts is the minimum bank voltage I would suggest. The detailed answer is that when a battery bank is over ~800 AH in capacity, for various reasons, it is better to got to the next voltage level.

    For example, the above for 12 volts would give a 1,297 AH @ 12 volt battery bank--Usually too large of AH capacity for our needs. Very heavy copper wiring, several 80 Amp Solar charge controllers, problems with high current flow (inverters, charge controllers) and voltage drop... So, 24 volt battery bank (or possibly even 48 volt battery bank) is a better fit.

    Next, sizing the solar array... Two sets of calculations. First set is based on Battery Bank capacity. A large lead acid battery bank needs a large charging source to properly recharge the batteries (for long life). Typically we use 5% to 13% rate of charge (based on battery's 20 Hour capacity numbers). 5% can work for a weekend/seasonal cabin. 10% or more for full time off grid cabin/home (9 months or more per year) suggested.

    Solar panels are as cheap, and batteries are expensive. Installing more solar panels is usually a good idea (healthy batteries, don't have to watch the system as closely, less generator run time/fuel costs).
    • 647 AH * 29 volts charging * 1/0.77 panel+controller derating * 0.05 rate of charge = 1,218 Watt array minimum
    • 647 AH * 29 volts charging * 1/0.77 panel+controller derating * 0.10 rate of charge = 2,437 Watt array nominal
    • 647 AH * 29 volts charging * 1/0.77 panel+controller derating * 0.13 rate of charge = 3,168 Watt array "cost effective" maximum

    More "fudge" factors. Notice that I use the battery charging voltage of 29 volts. And a panel+controller derating of 0.77 (77% efficiency). AGM batteries charge at 27.8 volts or so.

    And notice that I do not differentiate between PWM and MPPT type charge controllers--For our discussion here, there is not enough difference between the two types of controllers (over all system efficiency) to worry about... They have quite different calculations for efficiency and such. But in the end, for a properly designed system in a moderate to warm climate--Not really any difference in overall harvest (for our needs, they are within ~10% of each other's overall harvest).

    There are reasons to pick MPPT over PWM in many cases (larger systems, cost issues, design decisions, etc.)--But leave that for another post.

    Next, need to size the array based on the amount of sun. PV Watts 1.0 (old version) was just taken down in the last few days, so will use another data source for now (I like simple/accurate data that does not through in more "fudge factors"--Which can make things more confusing).

    For a fixed array, tilted to best year round performance, in Atlanta Georgia (note, the SolarElectricHandbook seems to have mixed up Georgia USA with the Republic of Georgia--Hopefully the data for Atlanta is OK--Would need to verify with another source for "real" calculation): [h=3]Atlanta
    Average Solar Insolation figures[/h] Measured in kWh/m2/day onto a solar panel set at a 56° angle (from vertical):
    (For best year-round performance)

    Jan
    Feb
    Mar
    Apr
    May
    Jun


    3.37

    3.76

    4.62

    4.98

    5.09

    4.75



    Jul
    Aug
    Sep
    Oct
    Nov
    Dec


    4.92

    4.76

    4.58

    4.67

    3.76

    3.34




    Typically, I toss the bottom three months (winter) and assume that folks will run a genset for bad weather--Of course, you can make other decisions. Here, February (and November) with 3.76 hours of sun would be the "break even" month for genset usage (some years you need the genset, others you may not).
    • 3,300 WH per day * 1/0.52 end to end off grid system eff for AC inverter+Flooded cell battery * 1/3.76 Hours of sun = 1,688 Watt array "minimum" based on loads+sun

    So between the 1,688 Watt array needed based on loads and hours of sun, and the numbers based on battery bank capacity of 1,218/2,437/3,168 Watt array--For a full time off grid system I would suggest ~2,473 Watt array... And such an array would generate on an average February/November day:
    • 2,437 Watt array * 0.52 off grid system eff. * 3.76 hours of sun = 4,765 Watt*Hours per day

    So--That gives you some extra power for optional loads during sunny weather--Plus some extra power for cloudy days/when guests come by, etc.

    We now have the basics--Battery Bank sizing and Array sizing... And now can look at specific hardware to support those power levels.

    -Bill


    Thanks, I am working on absorbing this.

  • Apples
    Apples Solar Expert Posts: 39 ✭✭

    It is posts like Bill's Post #10 that make this forum is so valuable. That is a TON of thought, and work, and effort to post... for what it's worth from the RV micro-systems' peanut gallery, {hee} thanks Bill. :-)
  • BB.
    BB. Super Moderators, Administrators Posts: 33,431 admin
    You are very welcome Apple (and others).

    -Bill "I try" B.
    Near San Francisco California: 3.5kWatt Grid Tied Solar power system+small backup genset