Best Storage Box for 2x Hubble S-100/120 / Lead-Acids

[capd]

Which storage boxes/containers have you found to be the best for 2x Hubble S-100/120 (or +-100Ah lead-acids)? The Hubbles are 405x173x238mm LxWxH.

Plastic and on wheels would be great. With a flat top for an inverter to sit on.

I have a few of the Addis 110L Rough Totes – https://www.takealot.com/addis-110-litre-rough-tote-black/PLID41400193 – which are 775x520x445mm LxWxH.

Seems it would work with the batteries side-to-side?:

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[Tacet]

VRLA batteries have vents that allows hydrogen to escape. Putting the batteries in a sealed box could lead to hydrogen build-up. While the hydrogen build-up will unfortunately not be enough to turn the box into a Zeppelin, it can still be enough to turn the box into a bomb.

Some batteries come with venting kits (essentially PVC piping) which can be used to route the hydrogen out of the sealed container. If you don't have venting kits, make sure that the box has enough ventilation to prevent build-up (remember that hydrogen is lighter than air, so it will build-up in pockets in the lid). Some manufacturers recommend not placing an inverter above batteries, as that increases the danger of sparks meeting hydrogen.

Other than that I don't see much of an issue with your Addis box. I'd have preferred something with a V-0 flammability rating, but the battery casings should already be V-0 rated.

//edit - my whole story is for VRLA. Lithium - just make sure that the box has sufficient airflow to accommodate the batteries. The battery will have some sort of cooling design - some works front to back with active fans, others passive, others bottom to top.... Figure out what your batteries need and drill holes in the box accordingly.

 

[capd]

VRLA batteries have vents that allows hydrogen to escape. Putting the batteries in a sealed box could lead to hydrogen build-up. While the hydrogen build-up will unfortunately not be enough to turn the box into a Zeppelin, it can still be enough to turn the box into a bomb.

Some batteries come with venting kits (essentially PVC piping) which can be used to route the hydrogen out of the sealed container. If you don't have venting kits, make sure that the box has enough ventilation to prevent build-up (remember that hydrogen is lighter than air, so it will build-up in pockets in the lid). Some manufacturers recommend not placing an inverter above batteries, as that increases the danger of sparks meeting hydrogen.

Other than that I don't see much of an issue with your Addis box. I'd have preferred something with a V-0 flammability rating, but the battery casings should already be V-0 rated.

//edit - my whole story is for VRLA. Lithium - just make sure that the box has sufficient airflow to accommodate the batteries. The battery will have some sort of cooling design - some works front to back with active fans, others passive, others bottom to top.... Figure out what your batteries need and drill holes in the box accordingly.

Thanks very much for your detailed & conclusive reply. I'll do just that.

Regarding the inverter on the top, I could have it to the one side of the lid, with the outlet vent holes on the other?

I could then also drill intake holes on the side opposite to the lid holes, to create a bit of 'crossflow'.

Thoughts?

Any other options, perhaps with better flammability rating?

 

[capd]

Worked out so well!

 

[capd]

 

[RedViking]

Found a nice storage container for my batteries at Crazy Plastics.

View attachment 1112564 View attachment 1112566

Fits nice inside. Have it on polystyrene spacers to lift it a bit as the bottom of the container a bit narrow :
View attachment 1112570


Now just need to make some holes in the box for the wire and add some wheels.
Want to double up on the blue wire as well. Although batteries are as cool as a cucumber when it was charging through the night and currently under load.


The container is similar to this one. Keep in mind the dimensions they are listing is not the internal dimensions. Paid R300 for it at Crazy Plastics.

SECURITY BOX BLK (C1573) LRG 39 X 58 X 29CM

Storage :: Security Boxes :: SECURITY BOX BLK (C1573) LRG 39 x 58 x 29CM

SECURITY BOX BLK C1573 LRG 39 x 58 x 29CM

mambosplastics.co.za

 

[RedViking]

Crate - Security Container - Plastic ALC - Attached Hinged Lid - 18L - 40 x 30 x 24cm - Black - (MOQ 500) - ALC-240-Black

[MOQ 500] • Plastic security container with a 2-part hinged lid • Volume: 18L • Storage - General Storage - Crates, Boxes and Bins • Tags: Alc - Attached Lid Container - Hinged Lid Container - Tote Box - Plastic Container • GLS-ALC-240-Black

www.supplywise.co.za

I don't know the shop but you can Google:

SECURITY BOX BLK (C1573)

 

[RedViking]

Worked out so well!

I would not put the inverter in the box as well, or do you have a fan attached to the box to circulate air and get hot air out?

Edit: I only see now you drilled wholes in there. Need a fan as well.

 

[capd]

I would not put the inverter in the box as well, or do you have a fan attached to the box to circulate air and get hot air out?

No fan, 12mm holes everywhere and also keep the lid ajar most of the time just in case. Does not get hot. May add computer fan. May add a ‘divider’ between inverter and batteries. Sheet of card or similar to separate them. Chuffed so far, it’s ghetto.

 

[RedViking]

No fan, 12mm holes everywhere and also keep the lid ajar most of the time just in case. Does not get hot. May add computer fan. May add a ‘divider’ between inverter and batteries. Sheet of card or similar to separate them. Chuffed so far, it’s ghetto.

Add a fan. Don't put inverter directly on batteries.

 

[AlphaJohn]

DIY






Full Corel design in zip file attached.

 

[RedViking]

DIY

View attachment 1345666

View attachment 1345668


Full Corel design in zip file attached.

Can you post this in the Mecer thread as well?

I would like to link to the OP.

 

[AlphaJohn]

Can you post this in the Mecer thread as well?

I would like to link to the OP.

I did back when I made ver 1

 

[capd]

Add a fan. Don't put inverter directly on batteries.

I agree. I do have a plank to separate them.

 

[Budza]

Worked out so well!

I see you're in CPT.

Are you registering that?

I have something similar and haven't...

Will you add solar input? I plan to and won't register as it's still off-grid...