Automated FLA hydration/watering finally

[autowater]

So I have a full off grid home with FLA batteries that I've been manually refilling with distilled water for 5 years using the flowrite system. Well I got tired of manually doing it. So I spent 4 months developing and programing an electronic device that automatically fills my batteries now on a programmable schedule. It utilizes the flowrite style bayonet float valves. Essentially the device keeps the batteries topped off and sends me email notifications with how much water was used when hydration is performed. The device even has failsafes in place to prevent overflows or under watering. It started out as just a fun project but turned into a full on product build lol. I even got it UL certified, and made user documentation (originally for my wife in case i die lol).

I know FLA batteries are basically going out of style but I was curious if any of ya'll would know if this device would be interesting to FLA owners? Im considering full on marketing of the device.

 

[sunshine_eggo]

Not personally, but Rolls, Trojan, etc. aren't going away any time soon. LFP may be taking over, but I can guarantee you my neighbor will never be comfortable with anything but his 12S FLA cells.

 

[autowater]

Not personally, but Rolls, Trojan, etc. aren't going away any time soon. LFP may be taking over, but I can guarantee you my neighbor will never be comfortable with anything but his 12S FLA cells.

I have considered reaching out to Trojan and such. I appreciate the feedback

 

[sunshine_eggo]

I have considered reaching out to Trojan and such. I appreciate the feedback

trojan already has their own hydrolink or whatever "auto" watering system... "auto" in that you just have to squeeze the bulb until it stops you from squeezing. INFINITELY better than doing it manually, but well short of your system. IIRC for a single string 48V system, those are like $200-300 for Maybe $30 worth of bits. Not sure they'll give up that sweet deal...

 

[rodrick]

With the cost of Lifepo now I think the fla market will shrink to just a few hard core and some exceptions for cold locations but overall market share is going down

 

[OzSolar]

With the cost of Lifepo now I think the fla market will shrink to just a few hard core and some exceptions for cold locations but overall market share is going down

Does anyone have the actual numbers? Logically what you say is correct but it would still be nice to see some ten year graphs showing sales and market percentage, etc.

 

[CommandoJoe]

So I have a full off grid home with FLA batteries that I've been manually refilling with distilled water for 5 years using the flowrite system. Well I got tired of manually doing it. So I spent 4 months developing and programing an electronic device that automatically fills my batteries now on a programmable schedule. It utilizes the flowrite style bayonet float valves. Essentially the device keeps the batteries topped off and sends me email notifications with how much water was used when hydration is performed. The device even has failsafes in place to prevent overflows or under watering. It started out as just a fun project but turned into a full on product build lol. I even got it UL certified, and made user documentation (originally for my wife in case i die lol).

I know FLA batteries are basically going out of style but I was curious if any of ya'll would know if this device would be interesting to FLA owners? Im considering full on marketing of the device.

Search for IFLA groups on Facebook, that's where you'll find the hardcore FLA fans.