Date: Mon, 14 Mar 2011 19:04:33 -0700
Reply-To: Daryl Christensen <daryl@AATRANSAXLE.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Daryl Christensen <daryl@AATRANSAXLE.COM>
Subject: Re: Auxilliary batteries
In-Reply-To: <4d7e7923.9a66e50a.11a5.064d@mx.google.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
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)
