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Enclosures
Batteries must be protected inside a ventilated enclosure. The enclosure should be
ventilated to the outdoors from the highest point to prevent the accumulation of
hydrogen gases released in the charging process. An air intake should also be
provided at a low point in the enclosure to allow air to enter the enclosure to
promote good ventilation.
Temperature
Effect of cold
temperature
The effective capacity of a battery is reduced when the temperature is cold. This
phenomenon is more significant with lead-acid type batteries than with alkaline
types. When the internal temperature of a lead-acid battery is 32 °F (0 °C), the
capacity can be reduced by as much as 50%. This effectively reduces the size of
the system’s “gas tank,” requiring more frequent “refueling” by the charger. This
should be considered when you design the system. If extremely low temperatures
are expected where the system is going to be located, a heated equipment room
should be considered.
Benefits of
insulated enclosure
If the system is located in an unheated space, an insulated enclosure is highly
recommended for the batteries. During the charging process, the batteries release
heat due to the internal resistance of the battery. If the batteries are insulated, the
heat can be kept in the batteries to keep them warmer. This will substantially
increase the performance of the system.
Insulated battery enclosures also ensure that the temperatures of individual battery
cells are more consistent. This prevents unequal charging, which can cause battery
failure (some cells being overcharged while others are undercharged).
Protect batteries
from high
temperature
The batteries should also be protected from high temperature. This can be caused
by high ambient temperatures, solar heating of the battery enclosure, or heat
released by an engine or generator located close by. High battery temperature
results in short battery life and should be avoided by ventilating the enclosure and
reducing the external heat sources by shading and insulation.