Charging a Battery Bank
I am planning on upgrading my batteries to 4 6v batteries wired in series and parallel to have a 12v system with plenty of Amp Hours. There is a ton of information on how to wire things up but nothing...
Forum Discussion
BFL13 wrote:
I don't need TC for the temperatures I camp in (32-90F) It is more critical for extreme temps.
SoundGuy wrote:
And yet East Penn makes it clear that temp compensation for any of their AGM batteries is mandatory, not only putting a label to that effect on each battery but also saying on Page 2 in this East Penn VLRA Technical Manual - "The charger must be temperature-compensated to prevent under or overcharging due to ambient temperature changes."
BFL13 wrote:
They might be worried about thermal run-away and all that if you charge at 14.8 uncompensated in Death Valley in August? Also long term Float should be TCed. RVing is not long term for most of us.
Nice to have is all IMO.
I've just read through that entire East Penn VLRA Technical Manual and it's absolutely clear that East Penn insists that their AGM and GEL batteries must under all circumstances be charged with a temperature compensating charger - no exceptions. From Page 14 of the manual -
"What is a safe charge rate or voltage setting for outdoor applications with wide temperature fluctuations if a temperature sensing charger is not available?
NONE!
As the chart on page 11 (Effect of Temperature on Recharge Voltage) shows, charging voltage varies widely with temperature. There is no fixed voltage setting or current that will work. A temperature-sensing, voltage-regulated charger must be used. Anything else will damage any battery and cause premature failure!"
Here's a copy of that East Penn Temperature Compensated Charging Voltages Chart ...
Quite a variation, even between 32F - 90F. :E
Sorry, you and others may not agree but I'm convinced. ;)
