Renewable energy, in general is not exceptionally efficient at harnessing the natural forces on earth. The free energy is the reason that the concept is persued at all. Since these systems are getting better, via technical innovation, this form of power generation has become cost effective. Since the energy is the only method of payoff, it is therefore critical to take care to be efficient behind the generation devices; be it homeowner, commercial building owner, or installer. This discussion will focus on the efficiency of the parts behind the renewable generation systems; solar, hydro or wind. The wire connections, terminals, the batteries, the charge controllers, and the inverters will all be scrutinized for efficiency.
AC and DC Wire Voltage Drop - Resistance
In general, any element resists electrical charge going through it to some degree. The elements that resist the least are called conductors, those that resist more vehemently are called insulators. With this in mind there is resistance in any conductor, and therefore a loss of electricity passing through it. In general 3% - 5% loss is acceptable when working with copper. Basic rule of thumb is use thicker wire until your loss is acceptable. Please use the information here to calculate your wire voltage drops and wire guage needs.
DC or Direct Current electricity has no wave form to it. The absence of this wave form reduces the propensity of movement of the current down single strand conductors due to their resistance. Also finely stranded copper wire is flexible at greater thicknesses. Stranded copper DC cabling should always be used for DC installations as it has less resistance, and will lead to a more efficient connection.
Batteries are made up of roughly 2 parts, the acid or electrolyte, and the plates (anodes and cathodes) of lead. However, here is where the similarities stop and the niches begin. There are basically 3 chemistries of batteries available to renewable energy consumers. They are:
flooded - require maintenance & high amp tolerant (watering due to electrolysis)
Since all battery based renewable energy systems have inconsistant use and generation, they must be able to tolerate high amperage load and charging cycles, capturing the varying current. Should you choose agm or flooded batteries, you can purchase fewer as the higher amperage loads are acceptable and do not affect them. Should you choose gel batteries, you will need to buy more to keep the amperage per cell down to reasonable levels.
flooded batteries are 38% - 60% efficient depending on the amperage
Gel Cell batteries are 60% - 102% efficient depending on the amperage
AGM batteries are 85% - 102% efficient depending on the amperage
Losses can also be seen in the electrolysis. AGM and GEL batteries retard this process more than flooded lead acid batteries. This process uses water and energy to produce pure oxygen and hydrogen in the battery box. This hydrogen can be explosive if not properly vented.
Charger / Charge Controller Efficiency
The best chargers in the industry are roughly 95% efficient. However, many chargers range from 70% - 90% efficiency levels. The heat sinks in many chargers use some of this power and the rest is lost in the conversion or controller.
Inverter Efficiency
The best inverters in the industry are roughly 95% efficient. However, many inverters range from 70% - 90% efficiency levels. The heat sinks in many inverters use some of this power and the rest is lost in the conversion or controller.
Overall System Efficiency - Adding it All Up.
By now you should readily understand that no matter how much power you generate, the amount you can store and/or deliver is what really matters. The following examples illustrate the power difference and annual loss in dollar value due to inefficient components. It is easy to justify efficient components that are only mildly more expensive, they pay for themselves quickly.
BD Batteries - A Broomfield-Designers Company
Serving the Local Colorado Community 9-5 Mountain & Emergencies P. 303-800-4725 F. 303-600-9726
Serving the Buffalo and the Great Lakes Communities 9-5 Eastern & Emergencies P. 716-531-4875
Mailing Address: 5023 West 120th Ave. #138, Broomfield, CO 80020
OUR DENVER WAREHOUSE IS MOVING TO A NEW LOCATION AT THIS TIME.
WE WERE SCHEDULED TO REOPEN OUR BRICK AND MORTAR BATTERY WAREHOUSE IN EARLY 2011.
IN THE MEAN TIME OUR WEBSITE AND PHONES OPERATE FINE!
We do thank the public for the outreach of concern, and votes of confidence.
Do call Lorene prior to schedule used battery pickups, new battery dropoffs, etc. by appointment.
The information contain on this deep cycle AGM batteries website is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. Please verify specific information on marine AGM batteries, rv AGM batteries or auto AGM batteries listed here by calling us direct. We are proud to offer the highest quality AGM batteries and hope you will consider using our deep cycle AGM batteries in the near future!
