SolarSamSurfer
Here to learn.
- Joined
- Apr 24, 2022
- Messages
- 83
i have 4x 12v batteries in series to make a 48v battery, one of them is dead. is it safe to use my system until i replace the dead one or do i need to turn it off until i replace it?
How could you attempt to keep using the system if there is no voltage getting across the series string of batteries?
What voltage do you measure across the series string? With a dead battery you are likely getting 0V or maybe just a few. You certainly won't be getting anywhere near 48V anymore.
they are lead acid 205AH 12V wired with 6AWG ive made the test for the batteries. when the inverter was fully charged in float mode 56VDefine dead? What type of batteries?
Right now its dark so they are not in Float any more but its reading 48.1v with the meter same as the growatt displayWhat voltage do you read for the series as a whole? Put one lead on the first battery and the other on the last battery.
do you have a recommendation for the settings then? i can change the Bulk charge voltage its 58.4v now also float is 54v.Looks like a bad/shorted cell. AFAIK, the biggest risk to the batteries in continuing to run it is overcharge. If you really need to keep it going, I'd recalculate your settings for one cell less until you get a proper replacement.
OTOH, if it's an equalization issue, putting a 12V charger across the low cell may be a safer option for the string than equalization to bring it up. AFAIK, there's no issue with a 110V charger feeding that battery from your inverter.
how can i find out if they are FLA or SLA? yes they have enough liquidAre these FLA or SLAs? I would attempt an individual charge and test of that suspect battery, out of series. If FLA, did you check electrolyte levels? At this point it could have been a bad connection and the battery wasnt absorbing as much charge as the others. If FLA, equalization might revive if it sulphated. If SLA, sounds like you're SOL, or prorated warranty.
ok thanks i thought it was obvious we are talking about flood lead acid because where in the lead acid forum. guess i learnt there's two types of lead acid batteries. will a car battery charger work or do i need a special solar one?Lol, if you popped a top to check electrolyte levels, then they must be FLA (flooded lead acid). There may be hope. You're gonna have to take that battery out of service to charge, rest, check, and test it. Reread my previous post. I edited it.
Don't change anything, at this point. You need to understand what you're doing, first.No i dont, I will have to take it to a local mechanic tomorrow do i need to take all 4 to charge to 14.4 or just the one im having issues with. No i dont have a hydrometer. They arent the same age because ive had 4 break in the 6 months ive had the system. 2 at the first week changed with warrenty, 1 of the replaced ones broke after another 3 months. The one im having issues ive had since the beginning. I have equalization settings on the growatt but they are turned off. Do you think the default settings will be fine?
He just needs to buy a 48V battery. I sense he isn't interested in DIY.Yes it appears to be there are now 3x 12 volt and 1x 10 volt batteries. Drop the absorption and float by 2 volts each until the replacement is procured.
Once installed start shopping for a 48 volt LFP replacement battery. Or even better, build one.