Systems for use with Renewable Energy
Power & Distribution 1
Electrical Safety 1
Power Systems- D.C (Direct Current)
This applies mainly to the battery supplies and the associated generators- wind, solar and pedal power along with any other low voltage D.C source.
Battery systems in general are capable of very high discharge currents and as such, pose a very real and serious risk of fire and burns due to hot metal, melted plastic and/or electrical arcing.
Batteries and other high current sources shall therefore be fitted with appropriate overload protection. This will be in the form of a simple fuse or an overload cut-out such as a M.C.B (Miniature Circuit Breaker). The protection device must have a rating no greater than that of the thinnest cable under its direct protection, using more than one protective device if necessary.
Lead-aid batteries contain sulphuric acid, which is severely corrosive and can cause skin burns. Whilst charging and when in use they also give off hydrogen and oxygen which are highly flammable and have been known to cause explosions.
Safe Practice
All wet electrolytes shall be kept in a well ventilated place or container away from public reach. Smoking and the use of naked flames will not be permitted in the vicinity, and signs explaining this will be clearly visible. This applies to all lead acid batteries and wet nickel -cadmium designs. Fully sealed gel type batteries, sometimes known as ‘Dryfit types’ do not pose as high a degree of safety risk.
Battery terminals shall be protected against the possibility of any conductive object causing a short circuit across them.
Fuses and circuit breakers shall not be placed on top of batteries or within the same restricted space unless they are of a type that cannot cause a flash that could ignite the explosive gasses from the batteries.
In the interest of the environment, care should be taken to prevent battery acid contaminating the ground. Therefore it is recommended that the batteries are placed in or on a suitable water/acid proof surface or container and not directly on the ground.