What size server rack to I need for this?

[deanobeano]

Hi all

I'm going to fit some battery storage for my home solar and am searching for a floor mounted rack that the battery modules can fit in.

Dimensions are as per the attached pic.

Ideally the rack needs to hold 4 of them.

They weigh approx 20 kg each.

The rack doesn't have to look pretty (its going in the garage), it just needs to keep the modules together.

The battery supplier offers one, but is too expensive.

I was looking on fleabay at this seller but I am confused ref front/back mountable and if I need rails!

https://www.ebay.co.uk/str/LinxcomUK?_trksid=p2047...

[Penelope Stopit]

Yes, plenty of support rails are needed for 80 kg

Make the base with rails and legs then any box big enough will do the job

[Trustmeimadoctor]

80Kg is nothing for a 19 inch rack but id floor mount really you only need a min of 8u but go bigger no need for 42u tho battery packs usually come with rails

[megaphone]

You'll need a minimum 450mm deep if you don't want them to stick out the back. Are there any rear connections on them?

[deanobeano]

Thanks for this.

I was going to go for a 12 or 15u floor mount. Wasn't bothered if it had a glass door (as I want to allow air to circulate).
I am struggling on finding rails though (if that's the word) Typing server cabinet rail into ebay only seems to give me returns for £20+ for a single pair!!

[Trustmeimadoctor]

you sure they dont come with rails?

[megaphone]

All the ones I buy have rear rack strip and come with some rails. Think I get two sets of rails with a 15U. I usually take them out as I don't need them.

[deanobeano]

Dont think so

[Trustmeimadoctor]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/183863853613 that would do first i came upon

[Trustmeimadoctor]

20Kg isnt alot just mount them on the ears like they say in the instructions
Normal 2u datacenter ups are about 30kg they do usually sit on rails

Edited by Trustmeimadoctor on Saturday 30th May 08:56

[deanobeano]

Thanks, but that's £79.00 for one rail!

Is that the going rate ? (not being funny, thanks for finding it) I didn't realise they would be so costly!!

[Trustmeimadoctor]

Like i said you dont need them. Few weeks ago i had a bunch you could have had but all in the skip now

[ATG]

Do you really gain much by using a special purpose server rack? Maybe just use dexion?

[deanobeano]

Anything that holds them with a bit of air circulation would be fine.

[Trustmeimadoctor]

look for 2nd had racks you cant give them away tbh

[deanobeano]

Looking further, I believe that the rear sides of the module have screw holes. (look at side profile of schematic on my first post).

So, if I find a cabinet with front and rear (adjustable) mounting brackets, I should be able to secure it front and back.

[Mr Pointy]

I'd suggest you need something like 15U at least - the batteries are 2U each & you should leave at least 1U between them for cooling & 2U at the bottom.

Given all the cabling seems to come out of the front I'd look for a rack where you can move the front vertical rails back so that the cabling is at least partially protected by the rack. I'd suggest a 600mm deep rack to help with this. Check how many vertical mounting posts there are. Generally wall racks have two (front only) while floor racks have four (front & back). Having four posts gives you more options to devise some means of supporting the batteries. The Linxcom ones seem to be two post only:
https://www.linx-com.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/1...

20kg definately needs supporting & don't let it hang off the ears but you can use lengths of meaty angle (either aluminium or steel) fixed upside down so the horizontal section supports the bottom of the unit.

If you want to go truly minimal then look for a four post open frame rack. I wouldn't really go for one myself & the prices aren't cheap but you might find something suitable.

Secondhand is an option but you would need to collect:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Black-Metal-18U-I-T-AV-...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/StarTech-25U-Adjustable...

[deanobeano]

Thanks for that and finding the time to do some searching for me.

I'll check the links out.

[megaphone]

OP I have a 16u Penn Elcom rack brand new still in the packaging, if interested I can do a deal. PM me. It's just a plain rack no doors etc.

https://www.pennelcomonline.com/en/Penn-Elcom-16U-...

[deanobeano]

Thanks Mega - I think your isn't wide enough though.