To me it's all about longevity fractions of a cent spent per kWh of lifespan, and economy of recharging. This means I am a cheapskate.
I do not trust battery manufacturers.
I know with the Lifeline I can saturate charge at 14.4 volts and battery internal temps rise very modestly.
Folks have told me their Full River, Odyssey and other brand batteries do not heat up using saturation charging.
But Trojan's claim of 14.8 seems to be a tad high. I would tend to want to see proof that the battery does not gain excessive heat.
A telecomm battery is higher in impedance than other common AGM batteries. And inherent impedance IS the single throttling factor when the correct voltage is selected for recharging. It would be interesting to saturate charge a few while monitoring heat at one of the lead terminals. If temps climb beyond say 7F Delta T, within 20 minutes, reduce the voltage.
14.4 volts is a good all-around base number.
AND AND AND AND
I need to keep reminding of this caveat.
If solar can be used to make up the last 10% of amp hour recharge DO IT! IT reduces generator run time and is the friendliest way to get to the magic .5% of amp hours fully charged status.
The quantity of amperage needed to do this must exceed the number of amp hours to full charge AFTER deducting for hotel loads. If you are looking for a makeup of a twenty amp hour shortage, then your solar regulator MUST be set for a 14.4 volt limit AND exceed the charge acceptance level if it turns out to be a race until sunset.
This is all linear. Typical chemistry straightjacket level deducement.
a) the closer you get to 100% recharge the less deterioration of capacity. A 95% level of recharge may allow a month or so of no degradation with a 70% level of recharge will deteriorate the battery.
b) the less depth of discharge the less deterioration of capacity.
c) like a maestro in charge of the symphony. You have the baton.
d) No one forces you to use added battery capacity (more batteries)
e) A comfortable camping experience with a 40% depth of discharge is ideal. It really improves the lifespan of the battery
f) Remember, when one battery is accepting say 20 amperes are 85% state of recharge a second battery means 40 amps, a third 60 amps. Which one do you think your generator likes the best? Your wallet?
