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Batteries
Batteries are an extremely important part of alternative
energy systems. They take the wide variations in power from solar arrays or wind turbines and provide a stable source of electricity that can be depended upon. As a result of these characteristics, the battery must be able to withstand multiple deep discharges. There are three types of batteries that can support alternative energy loads:
Flooded. These batteries are also known as liquid
electrolyte batteries and use lead-acid. The low maintenance variety consists of lead-antimony/antimony or lead-antimony/calcium plates completely immersed in a liquid electrolyte. They require periodic replenishment of distilled water. The maintenance free varieties are sealed batteries and they use calcium instead of antimony. Sealed batteries do not last as long as the low maintenance batteries, but provide virtual hassle free use during their life.
Gel. These batteries are valve regulated and
also called recombinant batteries. The electrolyte is suspended in a gelatin type material that makes it spill proof. The oxygen produced at the positive terminal is recombined with the hydrogen produced at the negative terminal. No distilled water needs to be added for maintenance. These batteries have a longer lifetime, but are more expensive than the flooded batteries.
Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM). These batteries are
also valve regulated. Similar to the Gel batteries they are spill proof, do not require distilled water to be added, use recombinant gas effects, are virtually maintenance free, have a longer lifetime, and are more expensive than flooded batteries. They contain a highly porous micro fibre sponge-like glass mat between the plates to absorb the electrolyte and have no free liquid.
Three brands offered by Quallium are: Surrette, SPS, and Extreme.
Surrette
Surrette has three series of flooded lead-acid batteries (KS
series, ‘Big Red’, S-460/S-530). They are one of North America’s leading battery manufacturers. Their common features are:
- optional cell connection allows damaged cells to be replaced
- double insulated positive plates that eliminate the need for a sediment chamber allowing for longer periods between water replenishment
- Rezistox plate construction increases resistance to plate corrosion
- dual container construction eliminates acid spills
- manufactured in Canada
KS Series. This series consists of 2 volt cells ranging from 662 AHr to 1435 AHr at 20 Hr capacity.
‘Big Red’. These use 2 volt cells to make 4
or 6 volt batteries. They can last up to 20 years and have a 10 year prorated warranty. The batteries range from 1104 AHr to 1350 AHr at a capacity of 20 Hr for the 4 volt models and 546 to 820 AHr at a capacity of 20 Hr for the 6 volt models.
S-460/S-530. These 6 volt batteries are smaller
than the ‘Big Red’ series and offer capacities at 100 Hr of 460 and 530 respectively. The smaller footprint is ideal for locations where space is at a premium.
Extreme
The Extreme batteries are 12 volt AGM batteries that can
deliver 600+ cycles at 50%. They are both very resistant to cold temperatures and well suited for warm temperature applications. They range from 36 AHr to 150 AHr at 100 Hr capacity.
SPS
SPS offers a flooded lead-acid series of batteries (SPS-900/SPS-1150/SPS-1500) and a Gel series.
SPS series. These 6 volt batteries offer 1500 cycles to 80% depth of discharge. They use Water Miser Safety
Caps to protect the cells and reduce maintenance. The batteries range from 880 to 1500 AHr.
Gel series. These are the only Gel batteries we offer at this time. They are 12 volt batteries ranging from
36 to 265 AHr at 100 Hr capacity.
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