Inverter placement position. Basement OK?

OldSmokey wrote:
...
I will say for the most part it is reasonably safe to house SLA's in a ventilated enclosure.

I have two AGM banks; one in the VAN and the other in the TT. I consider both the VAN and TT as ventilated enclosures. IOW, no way for Hydrogen to accumulate.

Now, there is always the possibility of thermal runaway causing a release of acid mist. I have been using AGMs since 2009 and have not read about any incidents of thermal runaway. You can build a Wal-mart between possible and probable. :)

HTH;
John

Some AGM batteries do duty in enclosed spaces like telecom and X-ray machines. The users are pretty much oblivious to any venting requirements. They do well because, typically, their AGM batteries are totaly recombinant and don't vent any hydrogen in the locations.

hunter_rv wrote:
Right now, I plan on using the 24v only to run inverter and leaving the existing 12v alone to power those 12v systems. This is on my land and I plan to use the 24v inverter to power my own RV Park power pedestal which I will plug into..

So the 12v is on its own separate battery(ies)?

hunter_rv wrote:
Perhaps I can still keep the batteries in heated/cooled basement and vent them in a reasonable manner.

I ran Lifeline AGMs in my basement for years sans problems.

OP here. Thanks so much for everyone's feedback. I'll have to research a bit more on the AGM and ventilation. Safety is the biggest priority of course. Perhaps I can still keep the batteries in heated/cooled basement and vent them in a reasonable manner.

I choose to go 24v because my panel array is about 30 feet removed from 5th wheel and on a pivot mount. I was trying to consider line loss. I really wanted 48v, but the equipment gets pricing in that range.

Right now, I plan on using the 24v only to run inverter and leaving the existing 12v alone to power those 12v systems. This is on my land and I plan to use the 24v inverter to send 120V power to my own RV Park power pedestal which I will plug into.

Ideally, like everybody else, I want to go 100% solar powered,except for the a/c needs during which I will run generator. I am 100% off the grid.

I plan on removing my converter and charging the 12v with either 1) a standalone 12v solar panel (I already have this working) or 2) DC to DC step down converter.

-editing post to add more info.... The 12V and 24V systems are separate and have their own set of batteries.

I am using the existing 12V paralleled battery set that came with the coach and added the separate batteries in a 24V series for my solar park power concept. There is nothing keeping me from removing the 24V completely outside the camper. I like the security, temperature, humidity and critter control the basement provides. Sorry, I know this was a bit off the original topic but wanted to explain my 24V concept. I know it's weird, but it also adds value to the land itself having some type of power supply.

Darn, I was hoping to get some answers from OP. Doesn't appear he's on much.

2oldman wrote:

OldSmokey wrote:
not near as much as a conventional flooded cell, but enough to be of concern.

Depends on your charging skills, the brand of battery and your general fear factor.

I agree with your arguments, however not all RV'ers here are electrical engineers or professionals and are unlikely to have "charging skills"
I will say for the most part it is reasonably safe to house SLA's in a ventilated enclosure.

I put a 3600 watt Trace inverter in a basement with no issues. I did put some wire mess around it so I did not bury it when driving or without thinking when packing.

OldSmokey wrote:
not near as much as a conventional flooded cell, but enough to be of concern.

Depends on your charging skills, the brand of battery and your general fear factor.

2oldman wrote:
No concerns about venting AGMs.

hate to burst your bubble, but even valve regulated sealed lead acid batteries vent.. admittedly, not near as much as a conventional flooded cell, but enough to be of concern.

Ours is in the main storage basement, mounted on the front wall facing towards the back. All the batteries are in the front bay.