Splitting up the batteries and charging
I want to install a second battery dedicated to running the forced air furnace. I know there are going to be a lot of suggested alternatives like generators, catalytic heaters, rent a space with hook...
Forum Discussion
I have two banks of batteries. one bank of 2 x 6V's and another with 3 x agm 12v's. I have a multi-switch distribution panel that I built that can separate the two banks between converter, inverter, and solar charging. For the last few years, both banks have been interconnected and primarily charged from the solar controller. I don't see any of the dreaded draining or capacity loss that some theorize.
I don't have any worries about the furnace draining batteries since I use a propane space heater that doesn't use electricity to operate. I do have a 120V fridge and that is the biggest draw among the various devices I power.
I'd suggest to interconnect another pair of 6V's to the 12V system and monitor charging/draw. If you have a battery monitor and a more sophisticated solar controller, it's a piece of cake. Having all the 12V power interconnected will afford more power (Peukert) and result in lower cycling level draw-down (batteries last longer).
I don't have any worries about the furnace draining batteries since I use a propane space heater that doesn't use electricity to operate. I do have a 120V fridge and that is the biggest draw among the various devices I power.
I'd suggest to interconnect another pair of 6V's to the 12V system and monitor charging/draw. If you have a battery monitor and a more sophisticated solar controller, it's a piece of cake. Having all the 12V power interconnected will afford more power (Peukert) and result in lower cycling level draw-down (batteries last longer).
