Nick:
I have not moved my 8A4D (same age and batch) batteries around and so far I don't see any need to do it. But, I usually charge my bank with a 48 volt Zivan NG-1 through the bulk stage at anchor and then switch to a Dual Pro 4 charger to top the bank up when at anchor. The Dual Pro is actually four chargers in one case that charges each battery individually. I has worked well for me in keeping tha pack in balance. I might have had a different result if I had just used the Zivan alone for the past four years as it and other 48 volt chargers might lead to some pack unbalancing issues over time. Perhaps others can chime in with their experiences using other charging methods.
As far as how long a battery bank will last. I really don't know in my particular installation as it has only been four years. But, I think the answer will vary depending on how hard you use the bank capacity. The rule of EP is "speed kills" the faster you go and the faster you deplete the bank and the faster you will "kill" the batteries in your battery bank. I try to limit my discharge to about 80% capacity before I start charging or at least stop depleting the battery at that point. That does not mean I won't discharge deeper if I feel the need to. It's just my operating philosophy others may feel comfortable in drawing down their banks more. So there are some variables that come into play in answer to your question. Answers we here are still trying to figure out here ourselves.
Capt. Mike
From: Nick Boersema <picknick@sympatico.ca>
To: electricboats@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, November 23, 2011 10:02 AM
Subject: RE: [Electric Boats] battery question
To: electricboats@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, November 23, 2011 10:02 AM
Subject: RE: [Electric Boats] battery question
Ok that's great info so from a charging stand point and possibly usage as well would it be best to rotate around the battery banks?
Which brings me back to an earlier question I don't think I got a response to yet.
"If I understand correctly with a lead acid battery the smaller the range you cycle it in the longer it will last. First question is that correct. Next question is there a similar situation with lithium? I know my old nicads had to be drained completely from time to time or they developed memory and lost volume is there a similar situation with lithium? How long is the average battery bank life in a boat application? Is it too early to know? Lithium users how old are your battery banks?"
Nick
From: electricboats@yahoogroups.com [mailto:electricboats@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Steve Dolan
Sent: November-23-11 3:46 PM
To: electricboats@yahoogroups.com
Subject: RE: [Electric Boats] battery question
Sent: November-23-11 3:46 PM
To: electricboats@yahoogroups.com
Subject: RE: [Electric Boats] battery question
Nick,
The same type batteries, Lead, AGM, Lithium's, is very important in a BANK. You can (and in some cases its better) have different banks of batteries on board. HOWEVER not if you are combining banks such as when charging. I've broken the "age" thing a couple times with no huge issue. Upgrading individual banks to better batteries is standard operating procedure. Mind you that the chargers for the banks should be for the type batteries you have in the bank so individual chargers may be required. For instance I have 2 banks of AGM's and 1 Lead Acid to start the Genset. Since the Propulsion bank is AGM's but high output "specific" type I have a charger just for them. The house bank has a 144v to 12v charger, and the Genset alternator takes care of the starter battery. Your plan sounds like a good one.
Steve in Solomons MD
Lagoon 410 SE
Thanks guys and this reply touches on another topic. Dissimilar batteries. I have read that all the batteries should be the same and the same age. Is this true or dose it just apply to individual battery banks. Say you are running a 48v system and you have two or three different banks of batteries around the boat. Do all need to be the same or just the individual banks need to be the same. What is driving the question is could you start out with relatively cheap lead acid batteries and as you get closer to full time cruising change out one bank at a time to agms or lithiums? This would also give you some time to figure out your real world requirements.
Nick
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