|
|
|
 |
 |
  |
|
2007 ENERGY TOUR: Day 16 July 10, 2007We have spent a great day in Kentucky today. We visited the Mammoth Cave, the longest cave in the world, which was very interesting. Then we headed off towards Tennessee via the scenic route.  We took the scenic route in search of biodiesel. There are not many fueling stations in Kentucky with biodiesel and only a couple with blends over B5. We found Carey's Shell Station in Nicholasville with B20. Then later Regal Petroleum in Knoxville, Tennessee with B20. The scenic route was beautiful, rolling green hills, palace type horse stables, picturesque scenes of split rail fencing with horses feeding on acres of well manicured pastures, stately estates, it was breathtaking! 
 Now for more information we learned at the Solar 2007 convention about batteries. Batteries are used in renewable energy systems because normally with renewable energy there is not consistent power, so in order to maintain reliable power, a battery backup is needed, unless you are grid tied, and can live with an occasional power outage. Choosing the right battery for your renewable energy system is important. There are three main constructions of lead acid batteries: Flood, AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) and Gel. Each of these constructions utilizes lead plates that are spaced apart then the space is filled with an acid electrolyte material. The acid electrolyte is necessary for the battery to function as it enables the flow of electrons. There are significant performance differences between these three constructions as explained below. In a flood battery the space is flooded with acid. A flood battery is the most forgiving and works well in high temperatures and weighs slightly less than other batteries. Some disadvantages of flooded batteries are that they dry out easily if they are not rigorously maintained, they also don't perform as well in cold temperatures. Because flood batteries are vented and acid can easily leak out they are considered a hazardous material and can pose environmental concerns. In an AGM battery a fiberglass mat soaked in acid is placed between the plates. These types of batteries are not an environmental hazard because they are sealed and are a common marine battery because they are sealed. They perform well in cold temperatures, are "maintenance free" and have good cycle life. AGM batteries are more expensive than flood batteries and don't perform well in high temperatures because they can dry up. A gel type battery uses an electrolytic gel (the consistency of Vaseline) to fill the spaces. A gel battery has more electrolyte material than any other type of battery and therefore has a longer life and lower chance of drying out and works well in all temperatures. Additionally they are sealed and pose no environmental hazards. The disadvantages of gel batteries are they weigh more and cost more than flood and AGM batteries. Even though a gel battery costs about 50% more, they last about twice as long. Because of their very low maintenance they have a longer life. Poor maintenance is the number one cause of short battery life in all batteries, especially flood batteries. Taylor's top pick of battery for your renewable energy system is a gel battery because it will last in extreme conditions, requires little to no maintenance, holds the charge for a longer period of time and because of the low maintenance it should last much longer than the other batteries. In a very temperate climate an AGM would work well and is less expensive. Only people who are willing to follow a rigorous maintenance schedule should use flood batteries. Let us know what your experience has been with batteries for your renewable energy system. What prompted you to buy the type of battery you have. What have your results been? |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
