reply to post by RogerT
Continued from above
I didn’t attend University to learn about any of this. Completely self-taught. Everything I know about this subject came from picking the brains of
anyone who knew more than me, (which includes nearly everyone. There is always a snippet or tip that one person knows, but the electrical engineer you
spoke to yesterday was not aware of) and from studying concepts, designs, plans, practical applications and scientific notations I found for free on
the net.
As with the solar cells the deep cell batteries I got free as well. Yeah, free. I called the tow motor company who services the local Home Depot (HD
rents all it’s power equipment and the contract includes servicing them) and simply asked for the tech on duty.
“Hey, bro, how ya doing? What do you do with the batteries that won’t hold a full charge anymore? You send them to a recycler? About five a month
you say, huh? Hey, ya think you could set aside two for me?”
I told him what I was doing and he was glad to help. I specifically requested batteries that are not shorted or otherwise damaged. See, those
batteries they employ must hold a full charge for the equipment’s power needs. Any slight deviation is a reliability issue and Home Depot won’t
have any of that, trust me. So, they’re taken out of service. But they are PERFECT for my use.
Oh - A new term for you (Actually I believe “DOOPER” mentioned it above)
SULFATION - Written as the reaction: Pb + PbO2 + 2HSO4 + 2H → 2PbSO4 + 2H2O
Sorry, old buddy ... just showin’ off there.
Simply put: When in use, the acid in the battery (electrolyte) is activated between the two different lead metal plates (one is pure Lead, the other
is Lead Dioxide). The resulting chemical reaction creates an opposing charge to each plate (+ and -). During this period however, some of the acid
transforms from its liquid to a crystallized state, then back again to its liquid. But ... over a period of time or subjecting the battery to
inordinate use, not all of the crystallized acid reverts back to liquid. A build-up occurs between the plates. The acid is effectively ‘trapped’
in the crystallized form and unable release electrons ... making it weak or useless.
But, who the heck cares? The frakken battery was FREE I tell ya! They can die at a rate of one a month and I’m still way ahead!
But, you’re first priority to assess which renewable source is the most practical for your location. What I have may not be suitable for you. And,
here’s is a practical question you must ask yourself: Do you have more money than time? Or visa versa?
Money will buy you all the parts and labor you need. But, you’ll be lost if something breaks – Which means MORE money to have someone fix it.
Time, or the investment thereof, would pay for itself many times over.
If you choose time to be the investment, then my friend ... its back to school for you. Read everything, Bro. Then, read it again. Question
EVERYTHING! The best way to find answers is to ask. Sounds simple, right? But ours egos get in the way of that process and we’re ‘embarrassed’
to ask for fear of appearing dumb. I say, you’re only a dummy if you DON’T ask. And ALWAYS read the INSTRUCTIONS! Again, us men and our egos. How
many guys you know toss those out with the box? Foolish. There is more knowledge on that little folded piece of paper that you realize.
Acquisition of knowledge is most important. So even when you muck something up, you’ll feel comfortable in your ability to make it right.
To quote the wisest man I ever knew (My Dad)
“To open any door and get what ever you want remember the three D’s. Desire, Determination and Diligence.
And, if those don’t work, go with Plan BB.”
“Um ...hold on a sec, Dad.
You mean B. It’s called ‘Plan B’, Dad. Not Plan BB”
“No, son. I mean BB – Bull# the Bastards!"
Sorry about swearing Mods
But it's what he said. Really!