NiFe batteries

[bluedog225]

Anybody looked at these for fixed solar? Not sure why they are not more popular. Or why they are so expensive. There must be a downside I am not seeing.

http://ironedison.com/nickel-iron-ni-fe-battery

Cheaper chinese versions are online as well.

[Norman Bernstein]

Re: NiFe batteries

The Ni-Fe battery was invented in 1901!

And yes, they're both good and bad, depending on what attributes you need:

The nickel–iron battery (NiFe battery) is a rechargeable battery having nickel(III) oxide-hydroxide positive plates and iron negative plates, with an electrolyte of potassium hydroxide. The active materials are held in nickel-plated steel tubes or perforated pockets. It is a very robust battery which is tolerant of abuse, (overcharge, overdischarge, and short-circuiting) and can have very long life even if so treated.^[7] It is often used in backup situations where it can be continuously charged and can last for more than 20 years. Due to its low specific energy, poor charge retention, and high cost of manufacture, other types of rechargeable batteries have displaced the nickel–iron battery in most applications.^[8]

[Dan McCosh]

Re: NiFe batteries

Nickel-cadmium batteries displaced nickel-iron for the most part. Then came Nickel-metal hydride, Lithium ion, etc. Nickel iron was an extra-cost option on the Detroit Electric, giving it comparable range to today's Tesla, albeit at a bit slower speed.

[paulf]

Re: NiFe batteries

Nano-tube in ultra caps, may be the next phase.

http://web.mit.edu/erc/spotlights/ultracapacitor.html

[bluedog225]

Re: NiFe batteries

With cheap panels now, it seems like I can set it up, flog the stink out of it, run it to empty, leave it out when freezing, mostly ignore it, and it will be fine. Heavy isn't a factor except for shipping. Looks like about twice the cost per amp hour of lead deep cycle. But lasts rest of my life. May buy one to play around with.

[Garret]

Re: NiFe batteries

Looks interesting! Thanks for the info.

[paulf]

Re: NiFe batteries

We used Maxwell Ultra caps to provide an extra boost to a buoyancy engine at depth. These caps can be discharged at incredible rates, also charged at the same incredible rate!

These guys have 300 FARAD CAPS the size of D battery. Some 3000 farads! Once they get the batteries part figured out it's going to be a new game.

Check this out:
http://www.maxwell.com/images/documents/datasheet_16v_module.pdf

http://www.maxwell.com/images/documents/Product_Comparison_Matrix_3000489_2.pdf

[Michael D. Storey]

Re: NiFe batteries

If the solar charge cycle is 8 to 12 hours, who cares if it is run dry and then charged up, or whether it will hold a charge for 5 day

[Garret]

Re: NiFe batteries

If the solar charge cycle is 8 to 12 hours, who cares if it is run dry and then charged up, or whether it will hold a charge for 5 day

4 days of dark overcast? 1 ft. of snow covering the panels when you're away?

[paulf]

Re: NiFe batteries

4 days of dark overcast? 1 ft. of snow covering the panels when you're away?

Or Hawk crap, Sea Gull crap, or Sea Lions and Harbor Seals scratching there back and other obstructions in a remote site.

[Garret]

Re: NiFe batteries

Or Hawk crap, Sea Gull crap, or Sea Lions and Harbor Seals scratching there back and other obstructions in a remote site.

That's a lot of hawks, gulls, sea lions, & seals!

[Michael D. Storey]

Re: NiFe batteries

4 days of dark overcast? 1 ft. of snow covering the panels when you're away?

Even on overcast days, modern cells produce current. I would suggest that no system works perfectly. If it comes in on a wire, it burns coal. Even if there is a hydro down the street, it's still on a grid, and a lot of that is coal-produced. If using pe cells or a wind generator can stop the spread of coal plants, we are all ahead.

[Garret]

Re: NiFe batteries

Even on overcast days, modern cells produce current. I would suggest that no system works perfectly. If it comes in on a wire, it burns coal. Even if there is a hydro down the street, it's still on a grid, and a lot of that is coal-produced. If using pe cells or a wind generator can stop the spread of coal plants, we are all ahead.

No argument at all!