Domestic Batteries (ref. earlier thread House Batteries)

[DBA Forum (B) - Pete Clark]

Some feedback, with a question:

On a chum's advice I contacted Bourgogne Batteries Services in Torcy (we are based in France) who proved very responsive and helpful. I bought 12 x 2V Enersys (Oldham) acid cell batteries, ca. 590 Ah at C20, for €2,800 installed in situ, incl. disposal of the old batteries. Delivery was about 6 weeks and they arrived on the appointed day at an agreed remote mooring and were all done in less than 3 hours. I was very pleased with BBS.

For the following 2 weeks everything went smoothly. As we were cruising, I did not charge from shorepower, only from the engine alternator. We were cruising for about 4-5 hours a day, and with the evenings drawing in, we were using lights etc. for about 5-6 hours, plus fridge, pumps etc., via the inverter. The displayed charge varied between 26.5 - 24.5V, depending on cruising/usage times. When we returned to base I put them on shorepower and after an initial boost/adsorbtion phase, then float, after 12 hours or so they were charged up to 27.6V at the generator terminals, where they stayed.

Being no expert - quite the opposite - I had it in mind that 24V batteries should charge up to ca. 28.4V. However, BBS assure me that from min. 22.0 up to max. 27.6V is fine (12 x ca. 1.8 - 2.3V). Does anyone have a different view?

Thanks for any help
Pete Clark
Nooit Gedacht

[DBA Forum (B) - Colin Stone]

Pete,

Flooded lead acid will typically do a bulk charge with rising voltage and decreasing charge current up to the absorption voltage of 28.8v, also gassing voltage, at 20C - lower if hotter, higher if colder assuming your charger measures battery temp off one of the terminals.

After a period of absorption charging at 28.8v, and fully charged, voltage will drop back to 27.6 at 20C, temp adjusted.

If temp compensated you will see the voltages rising in the winter as the battery gets colder.

An alternator will typically charge at 28.4v throughout, which is OK.

All sounds fine.

I also use a AH meter which gives me exact usage and recharging - count the amps out and count them back in. Also tells me accurately how much is used by consumers - down to an indicator LED.

With voltage checks, the battery should be disconnected and left to stand for a good few hours before measurement, which is hardly practical on a boat.

Colin Stone
KEI

Sent via BlackBerry® BIS

[DBA Forum (B) - John Wilson]

Have a look at PB Battery Solutions. Rather than their own website, the best way is to go to ebay, tap in' forklift batteries' and find their advert. Currently it is 3rd down, the one with the ? Victron charger/battery bank photo. If gives all the info you need. They do a range of batteries and will deliver to France. (They also do Trojan batteries).

[DBA Forum (B) - John Wilson]

Whoops! Just notice you have already purchased. This info may be useful to others though.