You can get Hydrocaps direct from Hydrocap Corp., 975 N.W. 95 Street, Miami, FL 33150, Tel 305-696-2504. I gave up trying to buy them after they returned my check twice. They wanted more info about charge rates and battery dimensions even though I filled out their order form and talked to them twice. I think they were concerned because the Hydrocaps from the old set of the same IBE cells did not fit on the new cells even though they were the same model IBE cells. Instead, I'm getting a garden sprayer and will check and fill the cells as needed. I'll check the cells every 2 months in the first year and then determine the inspection frequency. The batteries are on a Sunny Boy/Island grid-tie PV system so inspection will probably be 2 to 4 times per year after the first year.
Joel Davidson ----- Original Message ----- From: Allan Sindelar To: RE-wrenches Sent: Sunday, December 13, 2009 2:01 PM Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Battery Automatic Watering One person's opinion, here... Avoid Hydrocaps. You need to remove them to equalize. They can clog up and plug the battery up, leading to an explosion from pressure. I have seen it. <![endif]--> Allan Sindelar [email protected] NABCEP Certified Photovoltaic Installer EE98J Journeyman Electrician Positive Energy, Inc. 3201 Calle Marie Santa Fe, New Mexico 87507 505 424-1112 www.positiveenergysolar.com [email protected] wrote: Hydrocaps - they run around $30 each last I checked. We used to sell them but gave up when lead times went from weeks to months. .................................................................................................. Northern Arizona Wind & Sun - Electricity From The Sun Since 1979 Solar Discussion Forum: http://www.wind-sun.com/ForumVB/ .................................................................................................. ----- Original Message ----- From: Andrew Truitt To: RE-wrenches Sent: Sunday, December 13, 2009 1:07 PM Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Battery Automatic Watering Has anyone ever used the recombination caps that combine the released hydrogen with oxygen and return the pure water to the cells? I am considering them for a large ([98] 2200Ah Surrettes) battery system that we installed a while ago, but I think they run about $200 a piece. Andrew Truitt Standard Solar Inc. On Sat, Dec 12, 2009 at 1:33 PM, Joel Davidson <[email protected]> wrote: Than you Roy, Jay, Jeff, and ... I'm glad I checked my email before going to Pep Boys to buy an automotive battery filler. Great idea! I've been buying and selling batteries for over 35 years and this is the first time I've heard about using a garden sprayer to fill batteries. The RE-Wrenches knowledge base scores again! Happy Holidays. Joel Davidson ----- Original Message ----- From: "Roy Butler" <[email protected]> To: "RE-wrenches" <[email protected]> Sent: Saturday, December 12, 2009 5:50 AM Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Battery Automatic Watering Joel, I was waiting to see if others use my method but I didn't see anyone post it. I've been off grid and having to maintain my batteries since 1997. I grew to hate the battery watering jugs for several reasons and finally came up with something that works for me.....your results may vary! I now use a pump up type garden sprayer. I use a 1.5 gallon version with a plastic wand, spray tip removed. I pump it up 6-8 times and that pressure allows me to fill 3 to 4 cells, depending on the volume of water needed. What I like about this is that the wand reaches anywhere in the bank and most important, I can watch the cells fill. I put a piece of electrical tape around the wand and insert the wand into the cell to the tape level. This is my water level and it's really easy to tell when the electrolyte reaches the end of the wand. About 1/2 of my customers are off grid and most use the sprayer method with good results. BTW, this was a brand new sprayer, dedicated to distilled water and hidden away from my wife, who loves to grab what ever is available in my shop. And at least here in snow country, the sprayers are all on sale! Roy Butler NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer® NYSERDA eligible PV & wind installer PA Sunshine Program Approved PV Installer Four Winds Renewable Energy, LLC 8902 Route 46 Arkport, NY 14807 607-324-9747 www.four-winds-energy.com Although no trees were killed in the sending of this message, a large number of electrons were terribly inconvenienced. Joel Davidson wrote: Wrenches, Thank you for your feedback that automatic watering is not automatic or reliable. Valves can stick open (a flood) or shut (a dry cell) or not seat properly (dripping that becomes a slow flood). I'll get a 2.5 quart watering can sold at auto parts stores - unless you all have a better idea. Thanks again, Joel Davidson ----- Original Message ----- From: "Joel Davidson" <[email protected]> To: "RE-wrenches" <[email protected]> Sent: Wednesday, December 09, 2009 6:14 PM Subject: Battery Automatic Watering Wrenches, We installed 48 each IBE 1-85N-15 cells (24 in series in 2 Direct Power & Water battery boxes). We do not want to use Hydrocaps. Your suggestions for an automatic watering system would be most appreciated. Thanks in advance. Happy Holidays. 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