My Screwy 31
First off let me say I am not stressing over this. It's just a battery, it is only money, it is meeting my overnight needs, but it is displaying strange behavior, and I am curious as to why. So th...
Forum Discussion
Really, it sounds like your solar panel, with the length of the days, is most of the time getting the job accomplished. I'd not run the Schumacher too long, and try to let the solar do as much as is possible... since it seems it's most consistent in getting to 15.3V and getting your SG to 1.275 most of the time.
Your experience with a programmable solar charge controller really brings home the importance of knowing the charging spec and procedures for your specific brand of battery, and the manufacturers recommendations. Seeing BFL13 having to massage a T-1275, and you having to massage a US Battery Group 31 Deep Cycle really points out to how superior a set of GC-2's are in the maintenance department, for day in and day out use. They just seem a lot less fussy. Perhaps Trojan has perfected those GC-2's for efficiency in discharging and charging, in internal dimensions and electrolyte capacities to plate capacity?
I would not worry about a short 16.0V session from time to time... doing so, you know you are truly getting a 100% SOC, which is good for the batteries health and longevity, certainly for long term storage disconnected, also.
Those below 50% SOC sessions put the hurt, big time, on expected battery life. Still, I wouldn't worry about it... you are more than getting your money's worth out of this one in terms of daily cycles, with proper recharging procedures and minor maintenance. Big, odd shaped and ratio'd 12V batteries, like group 29's, 31's and T-1275s need that 100% charge daily, to stay healthy. I just accept it as part of the requirements for going with an odd shaped or a free battery, since both my T-1275's were used and free.
Your experience with a programmable solar charge controller really brings home the importance of knowing the charging spec and procedures for your specific brand of battery, and the manufacturers recommendations. Seeing BFL13 having to massage a T-1275, and you having to massage a US Battery Group 31 Deep Cycle really points out to how superior a set of GC-2's are in the maintenance department, for day in and day out use. They just seem a lot less fussy. Perhaps Trojan has perfected those GC-2's for efficiency in discharging and charging, in internal dimensions and electrolyte capacities to plate capacity?
I would not worry about a short 16.0V session from time to time... doing so, you know you are truly getting a 100% SOC, which is good for the batteries health and longevity, certainly for long term storage disconnected, also.
Those below 50% SOC sessions put the hurt, big time, on expected battery life. Still, I wouldn't worry about it... you are more than getting your money's worth out of this one in terms of daily cycles, with proper recharging procedures and minor maintenance. Big, odd shaped and ratio'd 12V batteries, like group 29's, 31's and T-1275s need that 100% charge daily, to stay healthy. I just accept it as part of the requirements for going with an odd shaped or a free battery, since both my T-1275's were used and free.
