More Solar for "Us"
Ok, I went off.the deep end? Bought 3 used 37watt uni-solar panels and a blue sky 2000e controller for the hefty price of $400, They were being listed as 75w panels, they are not The tested open...
Forum Discussion
Hey Wiz,
Yeah... last I checked... BFL MIGHT just have an extra Vector that he could use for an experiment.
:)
The idea being that if we find there is something to this, we could buy dedicated units like yours.
Also 30% is no big deal. Your batteries are rated for more like 4-500 cycles to 20%. You are probably on track for as many as 1000 cycles.
FWIW, I had followed your link and studied up on your desulfator before my post.
Also, my statement included "discharge AND recharge." I was well aware that you only run the desulfator when there is 13V+ being applied. But folks were saying that desulfating during either phase couldn't help until the batteries were at 100%. Personally, I won't believe that until I see some experimental data to support it. I think it maybe CAN help.
You say you THINK your SG is being maintained, but IIRC, you don't often check it. I'm going to bet that your batteries are under a constant state of charging stratification. If you measure SG, you will probably find it to be low regardless of SOC.
This will likely shorten the life of your batteries. My theory is that much of the chemical reaction is occurring at the bottom half of your batteries and thus the bottom half of the plates are wearing out quicker than the top. But it's just a theory.
Bottom line is...
1. There's not much you can do about it without equalizing via the generator for like 8 hours once a week. I don't see this happening.
2. You have resigned yourself to the fact that your batteries are there to do YOUR bidding and you are not THEIR slave. They will probably last 2 or 3 years and you figure that cost is a reasonable expense for that time. I fully agree.
All that said... perhaps the vibration from the desulfator is enough to stir the electrolyte. Maybe.
Yeah... last I checked... BFL MIGHT just have an extra Vector that he could use for an experiment.
:)
The idea being that if we find there is something to this, we could buy dedicated units like yours.
Also 30% is no big deal. Your batteries are rated for more like 4-500 cycles to 20%. You are probably on track for as many as 1000 cycles.
FWIW, I had followed your link and studied up on your desulfator before my post.
Also, my statement included "discharge AND recharge." I was well aware that you only run the desulfator when there is 13V+ being applied. But folks were saying that desulfating during either phase couldn't help until the batteries were at 100%. Personally, I won't believe that until I see some experimental data to support it. I think it maybe CAN help.
You say you THINK your SG is being maintained, but IIRC, you don't often check it. I'm going to bet that your batteries are under a constant state of charging stratification. If you measure SG, you will probably find it to be low regardless of SOC.
This will likely shorten the life of your batteries. My theory is that much of the chemical reaction is occurring at the bottom half of your batteries and thus the bottom half of the plates are wearing out quicker than the top. But it's just a theory.
Bottom line is...
1. There's not much you can do about it without equalizing via the generator for like 8 hours once a week. I don't see this happening.
2. You have resigned yourself to the fact that your batteries are there to do YOUR bidding and you are not THEIR slave. They will probably last 2 or 3 years and you figure that cost is a reasonable expense for that time. I fully agree.
All that said... perhaps the vibration from the desulfator is enough to stir the electrolyte. Maybe.
