OK My van charges at about 13.6 to 13.8 or9 max. All the spiffy temp/voltage AGM battery chargers I see are 120V AC input.. Is there an onboard charger widget for upping the charge voltage to the 14.4 the AGB batts need? I wasnt aware that a modern alternator could be tweaked for higher output voltages. Mine is a 130 amp Ferd alternator and I have an AGM batt for my refer only. Used to do it on the old mechanical Bug regulators all the time. Battery/electronics master David B ??? any hints.
Daryl of AA Transaxle 425-788-4070 "On the cutting edge of Old technology" 86 Syncro Westy w/Turbo Zetec in the trunk
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of David Beierl Sent: Monday, March 14, 2011 1:23 PM To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM Subject: Re: Auxilliary batteries
At 05:47 PM 3/13/2011, Gilles H Turmel wrote:
Is there a better solution out there? To my understanding the gel type battery will only give me higher life expectancy of the battery with the same autonomy as acid type. Is that a good assumption?
From the DEKA sealed-battery FAQ at http://www.dekabatteries.com/assets/base/0139.pdf What are the advantages and disadvantages of the different types of battery designs? Gelled Electrolyte Advantages: Totally maintenance-free Air transportable Spillproof/leakproof No corrosion Superior deep cycle life Installs upright or on side (side installation may lose about 10% capacity) Very low to no gassing (unless overcharged) Compatible with sensitive electronic equipment Superior shelf life Superior rechargeability (from 0% to 90% in 31 . 2 hours) No recharge current limitation @ 13.8 volts Rugged and vibration-resistant Very safe at sea with no chlorine gas in bilge (due to sulfuric acid and salt water mixing) Versatile: Starting, Deep Cycle, Stationary Operates in wet environments even under 30 feet of water Will not freeze to 20°F/30°C (if fully charged) Lowest cost-per-month (cost χ months of life) Lowest cost-per-cycle (cost χ life cycles) Gelled Electrolyte Disadvantages: Higher initial cost Heavier weight Water cannot be replaced if continually overcharged Automatic temperature-sensing, voltage-regulated chargers must be used Charge voltage must be limited to extend life (13.8 to 14.1 volts maximum at 68°F)
Absorbed Electrolyte Advantages: Totally maintenance-free Air transportable Spillproof/leakproof No corrosion Installs upright or on side Lower cost than gel cell batteries Compatible with sensitive electronic equipment Very low to no gassing (unless overcharged) Excellent for starting and stationary applications Superior for shorter duration/higher rate discharges Superior under extreme cold conditions when fully charged Superior shelf life Superior rechargeability (from 0% to 90% in 31 . 2 hours) Rugged and vibration-resistant Very safe at sea with no chlorine gas in bilge (due to sulfuric acid and salt water mixing) Operates in wet environments even under 30 feet of water Absorbed Electrolyte Disadvantages: Shorter cycle life than gel in very deep cycle applications Automatic temperature-sensing, voltage-regulated chargers must be used Water cannot be replaced if continually overcharged Charge voltage must be limited (14.4 to 14.6 volts maximum at 68°F)
Flooded Electrolyte Advantages: Lowest initial cost Higher cranking amps Water can be added (if accessible) Excellent for starting applications Tolerant of improper recharge voltage Certain designs are good for deep cycle applications Replacements readily available Good under extreme cold conditions when fully charged Flooded Electrolyte Disadvantages: Spillable Operates upright only Shorter shelf life Fewer shipping options Cannot be installed near sensitive electronic equipment Watering may be required (if accessible) |
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