On 27/06/10 22:59, Capt. Mike wrote:
Matthew:
Thanks for the report. I'm curious about the particulars. Like what type of batteries? What voltage is your bank?
6 x Trojan T145s, giving me a 36v system.
Sounds like you could benefit from a solar panel for charging. I've used primarily a solar panel and my wind generator during winter layup and they kept my 210 amp AGM bank topped up the entire winter here in the U.S.
By specification I have a 260AH bank, but that's the C20 rating. Trojan give the batteries 215AH at C5 which more accurately reflects my usage.
When I hooked up the charger yesterday, about 6 weeks since their last charge, the charger when straight to 30A charge current - I could hear the batteries bubbling, so the electrolyte was getting a good stirring. I went away and left it, I don't know how quickly the charger started backing off the current. Normally it only does 30a charge current for about 5 minutes, it drops back to 20A for the bulk of the charge cycle.
Given my cost of utility power, the cost of a suitable solar panel and charge controller would probably take years to pay off - probably longer than the Trojan's will last!
It is on my 'to do' list however, but I might actually get a full solar 'co-generation' set-up for my house and bled off some of the DC from the panels to do the bulk charging of the boat as well.
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