A new battery sensor can monitor an entire bank of batteries and indicate when the electrolyte levels are low.

Battery maintenance just got easier with the new Sense Smart™ Electrolyte Sensor Valve, a single replacement valve with a built-in probe and LED indicator that lets those using flooded lead-acid batteries for power storage know when the batteries require watering. "Storing solar and wind energy into a bank of flooded lead-acid batteries is a popular way to lower energy costs and reduce carbon footprints," says Don Wallace, U.S. Battery CMO/Executive Vice President. "The problem is providing proper maintenance to all those batteries can be overwhelming and time-consuming. The Sense Smart™ valve takes the guesswork out of battery watering maintenance, which when done routinely, can dramatically improve battery life, save time, and substantially reduce annual operating costs."

The Sense Smart™ valve is the only valve of its kind with a built-in processor and probe that triggers an LED indicator light, mounted to the battery pack, and tells operators if the battery set needs water. A solid green light indicates the electrolyte level of the set is okay. A solid red light tells operators to add water after the next full-charge. A blinking red light indicates the electrolyte level has been low for more than 10 days and requires immediate attention.

The Sense Smart™ Electrolyte Sensor Valve (TBU 1000) simply replaces one cell vent cap on a single battery of a connected battery set, and doesn't require drilling or calibration. An optional system (TBU 2000) includes a remote mounted LED indicator with a six-foot wire lead. Manufactured by Battery Watering Technologies, and distributed exclusively through U.S. Battery Manufacturing, the Sense Smart™ valve fits a variety of 6-volt, 8-volt, and 12-volt batteries and works with all BWT single point watering systems.

U.S. Battery products and Battery Watering Technology products are manufactured in the U.S.A. and distributed worldwide. For more information, contact U.S. Battery Manufacturing, 1675 Sampson Ave. Corona, CA 92879. (800) 695-0945.