Heating Server Rack Batteries

[JAS]

Hi all,

Most discussions concerning heating batteries are around DIY cells or 12v plastic case batteries. Looking to use a 120v aquarium silicon heater pad(s) for my server rack batteries. Wondering if these can be stuck directly to the underside of the battery case? Or should I just leave them loose inside the rack and then insulate around the rack?

Thanks,

Jeff

 

[Armonius]

This is an interesting question.... I didn't think about it... I suppose that answer would depend on how efficient placing the heating pad on the outside is vs placing it on the inside.It would seem like it'd be dependent on the material that the server rack casing is made of.. Another important question would be what temperature are you trying to maintain in cold times with the heating pad...... but I don't know.. I probably don't have the answer on this one...

 

[JAS]

I ended up hanging them loose inside the rack on the sides and wrapping bubble wrap insulation around the whole rack. This successfully kept the temp around 40F when 20F outside.

 

[mlc27]

Any chance you can post pics? Thank you

 

[JAS]

Well, I actually just finished rebuilding my solar wall in the garage and no longer have them hanging loose inside the rack. I now just laid them right on top of the batteries. But, part of my rebuild was building an insulated box around the battery rack that I will place a small heater in (actually, I don't know... maybe even just having the insulated box around it will be enough with just the two heating pads...) I'll find out next winter

But... here's the link to my original setup where you can see my battery rack. (It's just a wall hanging network rack I found on craigslist for $50 that I retrofitted for the server rack batteries):

https://diysolarforum.com/threads/vatrer-server-rack-battery-arrived.82460/post-1315885

just imagine the whole box wrapped in reflectix: https://www.reflectixinc.com/
https://www.reflectixinc.com/

 

[v_green57]

Put 'em in an old fridge. Heat requirements (via whatever means you decide) will then be minimal.

Small vent somewhere would probably be a good idea.

Added advantage - your batteries will be "stealth". Who would think to look in the fridge?