AGM Battery Charging THE PRIME DIRECTIVE
I have gotten several communications about AGM battery maintenance. Using solar voltaic charging. The big error I read is that the subject of total and complete recharging is not mentioned. And tha...
Forum Discussion
BFL13 wrote:
Recharging AGMs once you get home is so easy !!!
Just set the adjustable voltage charger to 14.8 (if that is the "cycle use" spec) and make sure the charger is current- limited to no more than the spec for the battery (27 amps per 100 for my 27 format 100AH ones- so I use a 55 amp charger set to 14.8 on the pair)
Wait till amps fall to under an amp (needs an ammeter--I use the Trimetric) for under 0.5 each and then declare victory.
Pretty much same as on solar.
Controller brings it to 14.6 (as per specs), +/- whatever temp comp says, keeps it there until current drops to 1.5A per 300AH bank, which normally happens when fridge stops cycling (otherwise it's 2.3A), and goes to Float as programmed. No Trimetric is necessary.
Solar should be "big enough", meaning - oversized for your needs. I've been telling people this all the time, but everybody insists on learning through mistakes - tiny portable solar, then 200W on the roof, then finally something adequate :)
Declare victory? I wish. My AGM have developed a defect through either my mishandling (long storage prior to use), or as a congenital disease, being Chinese UPG. Low current now doesn't mean anything, big solar is the only thing that keeps system afloat.
