6V deep cycle batteries
Have had som very overcast weather the last 4 days, batteries down to 82% in morning back to 95% afternoon, how long can this be don before a 100% recharge becomes essential. Frank
Forum Discussion
Almot wrote:
...and what is solar controller model?
It sounds like his energy use is low, and solar is "almost" doing the job as is. Remaining 5% is mere 11 AH - or less, with what BFL13 noted. Having more panel wattage would help, as the battery would go into Absorb sooner.
Controller should switch to Float for the rest of the day, this is what battery normally wants. But when Float time is not long enough - because it went into Absorb too late - you're left with less than 100% charge. Raising Float to 14.8 for several hours is not good for batteries, and leaving it under-charged for more than 2 weeks isn't good either. Can't say which is better - or how long you can go like this. The longer it goes, the shorter they will last.
Or we are on the wrong track here and he doesn't have any solar, and the numbers 85-95 are with some generator run time in the evening.
What happens with controllers is they leave absorption too soon.
Most batteries manufacturers state absorption 14.7-14.8....
End condition:
"" Charge until change in current <.10A per hour / Max time 12 hours."""
So my controller has a max time of 3 hours in absorption and thats what I set it too when boon docking.
You can tell the state of any battery if you just look at the amps going into them..
Same with bulk..
End conditions:
Max time (hr) = x 1.2 ?avg. current (A) - voltage limit equal to " absorption ( regulation ) stage" limits
And can hit flooded with 20-30% of C20 rate...
equalize charge is the same time limits and amps of <.10 hr as absorption above. But at a 15.3 volt parameter.
I would leave in in absorb mode all day if I could. But I have the kick back into bulk ar a high 13.2 anyway..
Float I have 13.6...Ill rarely see float while boondocking i'm sure.
