Val,
I've been experimenting with group 27 FLA batteries on my Catalina 22, using them to run a Torqeedo 2.0.
My experience has been far less than encouraging.
From the several issues that I've encountered, it just seems the group 27 batteries aren't up to being deeply discharged - which is the whole idea of why we would use "deep cycle" batteries in the first place!
The Torqeedo 2.0 runs just great on 2x12V group 27 batteries. However, at moderately high power (1000-12000W), I can easily run down a set of batteries in an hour. I can definitely tell you that the "reserve capacity" rating of the battery is extremely optimistic, at best. You will do MUCH better if you have twice as many batteries and draw half the load from each bank. These things seem to do ok at less than 10A load, they do great at 5A load. But if the load gets up to 15-20A for an extended period of time (an hour), they just don't seem to hold up well.
The next problem that you run into is that a lot of the "smart" chargers seem to worry about the batteries, and refuse to charge them if the starting voltage is too low. If you run the batteries down below 10V, you may have problems getting smaller chargers to charge them back up.
THEN.... you have to worry about the water level in the batteries. If you are running the batteries with a heavy load, you'll need to check them CONSTANTLY for water level. Mine aren't easy to get to....
I've swapped out my FLA batteries for AGMs, and will see how that goes for the next couple of months.
Take my findings with a grain of salt... But be aware that you should at least be suspicious of the label claims!
John
From: Val Vechnyak <vechnyak@yahoo.com>
To: electricboats@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Sunday, October 27, 2013 9:20 AM
Subject: Re: [Electric Boats] Hello group
If I go on the cheap and use the deep cycle type 27 batteries (about $90 each) what disadvantages does it introduce? Sorry for the ignorance but I don't know much about battery difference. Val |
From: Robert Lemke <robert-lemke@att.net>;
To: electricboats@yahoogroups.com <electricboats@yahoogroups.com>;
Subject: Re: [Electric Boats] Hello group
Sent: Sat, Oct 26, 2013 10:25:04 PM
| If doing it on the cheap, (6) 8 volt golf cart batteries in series for 48 volts should give the 2 hours and reserve usage. If not and you have the room, (8) 6 volt golf cart batteries would be more than enough. If you have a bigger budget, then AGM (absorbed glass mat) batteries would be good and can be mounted in any position or if weight is an issue, LiFePO4 cells. Bob From: Val Vechnyak <vechnyak@yahoo.com> To: electricboats@yahoogroups.com Sent: Friday, October 25, 2013 6:52 AM Subject: [Electric Boats] Hello group My boat is an old 1976 Catalina 30 (tall) and this past weekend we just pulled out the Atomic 4 engine. Over the winter I am planning to work on re-powering it with an electric motor. The boat is used for day sailing in the bay and short trips along the NY/NJ shore. Information is available online about motors but battery info seems vague at least to me since I know next to nothing about battery types and their advantages. Does anyone know of any formula that would allow to calculate all the variables to achieve say 2 hours of propulsion and have a reserve? |
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