Domestic Batteries (ref. earlier thread House Batteries)

[DBA Forum (B) - Pete Clark]

My domestic batteries, which have lasted me for 6 years, and my predecessor I know not how long before that, have finally given up the ghost (my thread “Battery Charger” started 27 July this year).
Picking up on the extremely useful thread “House Batteries” started by Balliol (27 March 2014) and similar threads, I’d very much appreciate specific advice on how best to replace these by a similar set of deep cycle batteries. I currently have 4 sets of 2v cells joined up into 4 x 6v units = 24v providing approx. 600+ Ah. Each 2v cell measures L=157; W=157; H=360 (420)mm and weighs approx. 38kg. Foto attached.
My preference is to replicate a similar system i.e. 12x2v cells = 24v providing approx. 500-600 Ah. The reasons for this are: (1) Ignorance; (2) Trust: the Dutch engineer who converted the boat was clearly technically first rate, so why change a winning concept? (3) Space: I prefer not to alter the existing, solidly built battery box; (4) Handling: like Balliol I dread the thought of having to manoeuvre 60-80 kg batteries around several steps and tight corners; (5) Maintenance.
Nooit Gedacht is based in France. All I have so far is an offer for approx. €4,100 (!!!) delivered, incl. TVA, plus labour, which is a tad above my means.... However, surfing the web over the weekend (Battery Megastore; Bourgogne Batteries; Trojan; FIAAM; etc. etc.), with my limited knowledge I have not been able to find anything else even close to meeting my criteria. I will start telephoning around tomorrow.
Are my assumptions / criteria valid, or should I be changing / widening my scope of enquiry?
Pete Clark
Nooit Gedacht

[DBA Forum (B) - Charles Mclaren]

Try CPC batteries in w london. Henley smith the owner will ship and is deeply knowledgeable. C

Charlie McLaren...Sent from my iPhone

Post by DBA Forum (B) - Pete Clark
My domestic batteries, which have lasted me for 6 years, and my predecessor I know not how long before that, have finally given up the ghost (my thread “Battery Charger” started 27 July this year).
Picking up on the extremely useful thread “House Batteries” started by Balliol (27 March 2014) and similar threads, I’d very much appreciate specific advice on how best to replace these by a similar set of deep cycle batteries. I currently have 4 sets of 2v cells joined up into 4 x 6v units = 24v providing approx. 600+ Ah. Each 2v cell measures L=157; W=157; H=360 (420)mm and weighs approx. 38kg. Foto attached.
My preference is to replicate a similar system i.e. 12x2v cells = 24v providing approx. 500-600 Ah. The reasons for this are: (1) Ignorance; (2) Trust: the Dutch engineer who converted the boat was clearly technically first rate, so why change a winning concept? (3) Space: I prefer not to alter the existing, solidly built battery box; (4) Handling: like Balliol I dread the thought of having to manoeuvre 60-80 kg batteries around several steps and tight corners; (5) Maintenance.
Nooit Gedacht is based in France. All I have so far is an offer for approx. €4,100 (!!!) delivered, incl. TVA, plus labour, which is a tad above my means.... However, surfing the web over the weekend (Battery Megastore; Bourgogne Batteries; Trojan; FIAAM; etc. etc.), with my limited knowledge I have not been able to find anything else even close to meeting my criteria. I will start telephoning around tomorrow.
Are my assumptions / criteria valid, or should I be changing / widening my scope of enquiry?
Pete Clark
Nooit Gedacht

[DBA Forum (B) - Colin Stone]

There is also an outfit in SE UK - Kent? Makes cells to size - Rubber Battery Co rings a bell, but someone might know more?

Colin Stone
KEI

Sent via BlackBerry® BIS

[DBA Forum (B) - Andy Soper]

Powercell in Essex supplied our 2v cells and manufactured to fit the volume available replacing 12v 'leisure' batteries. I don't think they provide a service outside UK but may be worth contacting them.

They are principally support for fork truck operators but have a thriving marine business including other companies such as Energy Solutions.

12 2v cells manufactured to fit our boat cost less than £1700 fitted with all interlinking cables, auto top up, and hydrogen venting. I was very pleased with their service and delighted with the performance of the new batteries.

You might move your search to fork lift truck battery suppliers near you?

[DBA Forum (B) - Balliol Fowden]

Hi Pete,

I just typed a reply, looked at your attachment, closed the attachment, lost the site and lost my response. Grrrrrrr!! I'm not typing it all again.

Suffice to say 8 x Trojan T105's in "Actief" (30 metres, two fridge freezers, Ipads & phones on charge all night, absolutely no energy efficiency concepts employed), about £715.00, easy to carry, performing wonderfully (so far) despite the heat wave. Ask me again in ten years time.

Best regards,

Balliol.

[DBA Forum (B) - Pete Clark]

[quote="Balliol Fowden" post=56608]...8 x Trojan T105's ...[/quote]

Thanks Balliol, I'll check with Paul Collins at Megastore tomorrow. I saw your earlier recommendation (in "House Batteries") but shied away from the Trojan T105s because of the capacity per cell / dimensions, which don't well fit my current battery box layout. Maybe I'll have to re-think that part. I have a couple of other irons in the fire currently too, so will see what comes of it all.
Excuse my ignorance, but two no doubt incredibly stupid questions: (1) 8 x 6 = 48v: how are these wired? (2) How do 225 Ah make 450 Ah?
Pete Clark
Nooit Gedacht

[DBA Forum (B) - Pete. Milne]

2 x 6V 225Ah batteries in parallel = 6V 450Ah.

2 x 6V 225Ah batteries in series = 12V 225Ah.

4 x 6V 225Ah batteries in series = 24V 225Ah.

2 of the above in parallel = 24V 450Ah

Trojans are good but open lead-acid so need maintenance (regular top-ups). Glass mat (AGM) equivalents (probably 12V) don't. Something to consider & discuss with Megastore and/or CPC.

See Battery Basics in the DBA Library (Log in and visit http://www.barges.org/library?task=document.download&id=634)

Pete