Team-BHP - Inverter Batteries

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zezé (Post 5261702)

We have a 800 VA Surya Home Inverter paired with a 65 Ah C20 Tubular Battery manufactured by a local agency, Integrated Systems. The battery is estimated to be at least 4+ years old. Don't exactly know when it was bought since we moved in only 3 years ago

Whilst we experience infrequent power outages, of late we notice that when the supply is down the battery runs down within a few minutes. On checking, the readings on the display window are as under:

Heat = 039 to 042 C;
Battery V = 014.4 V;
AC IN = 235 V;[/FONT]
Charge Mode = Usually 2 and sometimes 4 and
CHAR AMP = 002 A

Based on the above readings, I believe that the battery needs to be replaced . Is that correct? Or do I need to carry out some further checks? If so, what do I need to check?

In case we do need to replace the battery, can we upgrade the battery to 100 Ah or 135 Ah so that more appliances and lights can be switched during an outage? I mean will an upgraded battery work with the existing Inverter.

Sure higer AH is no problem.

I have an 800VA UPS paired to a 200AH battery. Larger capacity gives longer backup. The only problem is that a 200AH battery takes much longer to charge fully, but that is not a problem if outages are infrequent.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zezé (Post 5261702)

Flat plate models go bad faster than tubular ones.

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..we notice that when the supply is down the battery runs down within a few minutes. On checking, the readings on the display window are as under:

Battery running down under load within minutes is a tell tale sign of a unit that's reached end of life.

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In case we do need to replace the battery, can we upgrade the battery to 100 Ah or 135 Ah so that more appliances and lights can be switched during an outage? I mean will an upgraded battery work with the existing Inverter.

Normally upgrading batteries to slightly higher capacity ones does no harm. However 65 to 100AH is a big jump of about 50%. You will need to check your inverter specs and specifically what is the largest capacity battery it can handle? Why? Charging amps is key when charging larger batteries, if low it will take more time and in areas of frequent outages the battery will never get a chance to be fully charged and that will impact its life. If the specs don't mention the charging amps and max battery capacity permitted ask the manufacturer if possible.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aroy (Post 5261782)

Sure higer AH is no problem......... takes much longer to charge fully, but that is not a problem if outages are infrequent.

At one point in time, there were daily scheduled power cuts. But that's no longer the case. Now the power is sometimes switched off for maintenance with prior notice or because of an occasional breakdown. As such, I believe, that the bigger battery will have adequate time to charge fully.

Quote:

Originally Posted by R2D2 (Post 5261869)

Flat plate models go bad faster than tubular ones. ......

The model currently in use is a Tubular 65 Ah C20 battery; not a plate battery.

Quote:

Originally Posted by R2D2 (Post 5261869)

Battery running down under load within minutes is a tell tale sign of a unit that's reached end of life.

I guess so. Also, I have to keep refilling the battery almost every month.

Quote:

Originally Posted by R2D2 (Post 5261869)

.........Normally upgrading batteries to slightly higher capacity ones does no harm............ Charging amps is key when charging larger batteries, .......... that will impact its life.

Whenever, I have checked, the reading is Char AMP = 002A. Is that adequate??

Quote:

Originally Posted by R2D2 (Post 5261869)

......... If the specs don't mention the charging amps and max battery capacity permitted ask the manufacturer if possible.

I will try to contact the manufacturer and find out. However, on checking online, it appears that branded tubular inverter batteries are only available in 100 Ah capacity and above. Any recommendation regarding the brand and model I should consider?

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Originally Posted by Zezé (Post 5262216)

I guess so. Also, I have to keep refilling the battery almost every month.

Another tell tale sign of EOL

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Whenever, I have checked, the reading is Char AMP = 002A. Is that adequate??

This 002 is 2A? Or is there a decimal some place? I haven't seen the display on your inverter so asking.

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Recommendation is Exide Invatubular, eyes closed. There will be other brands like Amaron. But I have personally experienced the excellence of Exide's Invatubular range. My battery bank of 2 will turn 9 in April. Still running well although it is obviously showing its age in some respects including slightly more frequent water top ups.

Quote:

Originally Posted by R2D2 (Post 5262831)

This 002 is 2A? Or is there a decimal some place? I haven't seen the display on your inverter so asking.

No decimal. So it's 2A, I guess.

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Originally Posted by R2D2 (Post 5262831)

Will check out the Invatubular range of Exide batteries. The agency is offering as a replacement Exide EL 150L 150 Ah C10 battery for Rs 11,000.00. Apparently recently introduced short tubular battery. Rather stick with the tried and tested products, though.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zezé (Post 5263061)

No decimal. So it's 2A, I guess.

2A for float charge is a bit too much IMO. With my inverter it is 0.5-1A even with my really old batteries. Remember internal resistance increases as the unit ages.

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Exides inverter batteries are more expensive than comparable Amaron models. You can use the short tubular in case you are. well, short of space.

Also the Invatubular range is the premium model you can also buy other tubular models like the one mentioned above to fit your budget.

Quote:

Originally Posted by R2D2 (Post 5263171)

2A for float charge is a bit too much IMO. With my inverter it is 0.5-1A even with my really old batteries. Remember internal resistance increases as the unit ages.

Another indication, I believe, that the battery has to be replaced without further delay

Quote:

Originally Posted by R2D2 (Post 5263171)

Exides inverter batteries are more expensive than comparable Amaron models. You can use the short tubular in case you are. well, short of space.

Space isn't a constraint. Have a well ventilated battery stand that can accommodate a battery with dimensions of 55/22/40 cms [L/W/H].

Quote:

Originally Posted by R2D2 (Post 5263171)

Also the Invatubular range is the premium model you can also buy other tubular models like the one mentioned above to fit your budget.

I would happily opt for the premium range Invaltubular model but the minimum capacity in this series is 150 Ah. I believe that this is a bit of an overkill given that the current 65 Ah battery has served us adequately.

As I mentioned in one of my earlier posts, the power supply situation in this city has improved over the last six or seven years. Of course, until the overhead cables are replaced by underground ones as in Mumbai, there is always a possibility of a breakdown because of trees/branches falling on the power lines.

To take care of such eventualities, we are considering increasing the capacity of the battery by at least 50% to 100 Ah.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zezé (Post 5263560)

Space isn't a constraint. Have a well ventilated battery stand that can accommodate a battery with dimensions of 55/22/40 cms [L/W/H].

Please check the dimensions of the battery you intend to purchase and compare them to the stand.

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To take care of such eventualities, we are considering increasing the capacity of the battery by at least 50% to 100 Ah.

Sure, you are the best judge of the power supply situation in your area. If you believe a 100AH will suffice then by all means go ahead.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aroy (Post 5263828)

Anyway 2A at 220V should give 220/12 ~ 15A (after taking into account efficiency etc) at DC end good enough for 200AH battery charging

I have two 200AH batteries coupled with my 2 KVA Cruze-Luminous UPS. It has been working perfectly for the past 3.5 years.

The "Rated current" as given(photos attached) is 9.5A at 230V AC. I think this is also the maximum current to charge both the 200AH batteries when they are nearly empty (the charging current reduces as the battery becomes full).

I have a Luminous Zelio inverter with a Luminous 150 AH tall tubular battery which is now 91 months old. Recently I noticed the battery is quite warm to touch.. Power does not go off very frequently in our area and when it does, not more than an hour at the most. It takes the load for that period without any issues. In recent times while filling water I notice one particular cell is much lower, but not below plate.

What could be the issue with the battery? Is it ok to use it despite the warmth, or should I replace it? Water was topped up during first week of January.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gansan (Post 5265703)

I have a Luminous Zelio inverter with a Luminous 150 AH tall tubular battery which is now 91 months old. Recently I noticed the battery is quite warm to touch..

What could be the issue with the battery? Is it ok to use it despite the warmth, or should I replace it?

Your batteries are about 7.5 years old. They will consume more current than necessary which heats up the batteries. Usually batteries at the end of their useful life, start consuming excess power - almost twice in many cases. When that happens, the reliability will become an issue. Overloading the charging circuitry in the UPS continuously over a prolonged period will damage the UPS.

Check the input current after turning off all the load. It should be less than 40 - 60 VA depending upon the size of the UPS - for a fully charged battery.