question

hennyv avatar image
hennyv asked

Exploded flooded acid batteries

In one of the cottages at our allotment park, a lead-acid battery has exploded. Fortunately, there were no injuries, only material damage.
I examined the installation but initially couldn't find a cause. The installation consisted of two solar panels, a Victron charger, and two flooded acid batteries. Below are the specifications of all components:
Solar panels - 2 pieces connected in series:
Pmax 370 W
Maximum Power Voltage 35.2 V
Short Circuit Current 11.5 A
Maximum Power Current 10.52
Batteries - 2 pieces:
Flooded acid 12V 240 Ah
Charger:
Victron MPPT 100/30 switch position 0

I connected the charger to another installation and measured a voltage of 15.2 V during bulk charging. At this voltage explosive oxyhydrogen is formed.
Is my conclusion correct that the Victron MPPT 100/30 only is suitable for charging flooded acid batteries if the maximum bulk charging voltage is set lower?

lead-acid
1 comment
2 |3000
Toggle Comment visibility. Current Visibility: Viewable by all users

Up to 8 attachments (including images) can be used with a maximum of 190.8 MiB each and 286.6 MiB total.

harold avatar image harold commented ·
It must be set to the right battery characterisics!
0 Likes 0 ·
3 Answers
nickdb avatar image
nickdb answered ·

If you haven't programmed the MPPT it will work to a default that may break your batteries.

You are required to configure it with the right charging profile for your specific batteries.

It doesn't appear that was done.

Always RTM.

screenshot-2023-04-12-at-170406.png


screenshot-2023-04-12-at-170501.png


screenshot-2023-04-12-at-170406.png (74.1 KiB)
screenshot-2023-04-12-at-170501.png (110.2 KiB)
2 |3000
Toggle Comment visibility. Current Visibility: Viewable by all users

Up to 8 attachments (including images) can be used with a maximum of 190.8 MiB each and 286.6 MiB total.

klim8skeptic avatar image
klim8skeptic answered ·

@HennyV in addition to what @nickdb has mentioned, check what system voltage has been selected. You dont want to be charging a 12v battery, with the mppt set to charge a 24v battery.

Further more check that there is enough ventilation in the battery compartment for the explosive gasses to dissipate.

Also ensure that there are no nearby ignition sources that will set fire to the hydrogen.

2 |3000
Toggle Comment visibility. Current Visibility: Viewable by all users

Up to 8 attachments (including images) can be used with a maximum of 190.8 MiB each and 286.6 MiB total.

danieljanse avatar image
danieljanse answered ·

Would a FLA preset have helped in this instance?

2 |3000
Toggle Comment visibility. Current Visibility: Viewable by all users

Up to 8 attachments (including images) can be used with a maximum of 190.8 MiB each and 286.6 MiB total.

Related Resources

Additional resources still need to be added for this topic