Measuring SG

Arkansasoffgrid
Arkansasoffgrid Solar Expert Posts: 117 ✭✭
in Off Grid Solar & Battery Systems #1
Other than being in Float mode/fully charged, do all loads need to be disconnected to get a true SG reading?
8-420AH US Battery L-16s, Midnite Classic 150cc, Whiz Bang Jr, Magnum MS4448PAE inverter/charger,  4590w Canadian Solar panels. Honda EU2000i generator.
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  • Dave Angelini
    Dave Angelini Solar Expert Posts: 6,891 ✭✭✭✭✭✭
    #2
    NO as long as when you are in float the battery is not being discharged. Being in float from a display that says float does not mean the battery amps in and out are nulled.
    "we go where power lines don't" Sierra Nevada mountain area
       htps://offgridsolar1.com/
    E-mail offgridsolar@sti.net

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  • BB.
    BB. Super Moderators, Administrators Posts: 33,613 admin
    #3
    Are you asking about measuring SG of electrolyte, or by estimating "resting" voltage?

    In general, float is a very gentile charge and as long as the electrolyte is well mixed (either after a "hard charge" with bubbling/mixing of electrolyte, or no short term large charge/discharge current spikes for "awhile"--electrolyte needs time to "equalize"--Electrochemical reactions take place on the surface of the plates, not in the bulk electrolyte), measured SG (via hydrometer) should be pretty accurate.

    Of course, you have to take electrolyte temperature into account (in either case). I have always wondered what the actual electrolyte temperature is after you suck it into a glass hydrometer (does heat sinking of glass, evaporate cooling bring down the temperature pretty quickly to room temperature)?

    -Bill
    Near San Francisco California: 3.5kWatt Grid Tied Solar power system+small backup genset
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  • Arkansasoffgrid
    Arkansasoffgrid Solar Expert Posts: 117 ✭✭
    #4
    Trying to get accurate specific gravity measurement of electrolyte using hydrometer.

    8-420AH US Battery L-16s, Midnite Classic 150cc, Whiz Bang Jr, Magnum MS4448PAE inverter/charger,  4590w Canadian Solar panels. Honda EU2000i generator.
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  • Dave Angelini
    Dave Angelini Solar Expert Posts: 6,891 ✭✭✭✭✭✭
    #5
    This is not rocket science. Overthinking this can hurt your brain. Buy a second good  hydrometer if it will help you sleep.
    "we go where power lines don't" Sierra Nevada mountain area
       htps://offgridsolar1.com/
    E-mail offgridsolar@sti.net

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