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Post by zaphod on May 17, 2020 23:17:36 GMT
I am just wrapping my head around the battery system on Azura. The batteries were replaced with sealed lead acid batteries in 2016. We are not getting great performance out of the batteries. They are theoretically 550ah capacity, but we are only getting about 125ah before we reach 50% discharge floor.
I am wondering what may have killed these batteries so quickly. I did find that the Cristec charger was set for "Boost Mode", which apparently is not recommended banks that are on the charger for long periods of time.
It has also been suggested that the charging system was designed for AGM or Gel batteries from the factory, then the PO replaced them with cheaper FLA batteries.
Does anyone know what type of batteries these boats shipped with?
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Post by vasko on May 18, 2020 7:14:55 GMT
I am just wrapping my head around the battery system on Azura. The batteries were replaced with sealed lead acid batteries in 2016. We are not getting great performance out of the batteries. They are theoretically 550ah capacity, but we are only getting about 125ah before we reach 50% discharge floor. I am wondering what may have killed these batteries so quickly. I did find that the Cristec charger was set for "Boost Mode", which apparently is not recommended banks that are on the charger for long periods of time. It has also been suggested that the charging system was designed for AGM or Gel batteries from the factory, then the PO replaced them with cheaper FLA batteries. Does anyone know what type of batteries these boats shipped with? How you measure the 50%? |
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Post by Charlie-Bravo on May 18, 2020 8:39:56 GMT
Hi, gel, agm, flea batteries are in principle the same old chemistry, and although the charging algorithm for each will vary a little, are unlikely to require a different charger. The thickness of the plates is a more fundamental difference..... determining tolerable depth of discharge and how many amps you can pull in a hurry. How the batteries are used and charged does make a difference in life, .
When I am allowed to go play on the boat again I am replacing my two 'Morris minor' flea batteries with gel multi function 800cca batteries now sitting in the shed, so if required they can be used to start the engine if the starter battery dies, and / or run the windlass, and I won't have to top them up, and the increase in amp hours I gain should mean cold beer 24/7.
The choice of batteries would seem a mine field, but for your average lead acid battery keeping them charged when not being used, and not draining them too deeply when you do seems to give a little better life, adding solar and wind power is good for keeping them topped up, I have got the solar fitted, but not the wind, ...... it might be noisy.
There is a rule of thumb re amp hour capacity, add up what you have available, and half it ...... giving you about what you can actually use, which sounds a bit like what you are experiencing, perhaps your improved capacity will keep the fridge running .
Mr Vasco I have read is the battery authority around here, and may give more scientific advice.
No help on the original supply ..... probably AAA 's to save a quid !
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Post by zaphod on May 18, 2020 16:56:02 GMT
I am just wrapping my head around the battery system on Azura. The batteries were replaced with sealed lead acid batteries in 2016. We are not getting great performance out of the batteries. They are theoretically 550ah capacity, but we are only getting about 125ah before we reach 50% discharge floor. I am wondering what may have killed these batteries so quickly. I did find that the Cristec charger was set for "Boost Mode", which apparently is not recommended banks that are on the charger for long periods of time. It has also been suggested that the charging system was designed for AGM or Gel batteries from the factory, then the PO replaced them with cheaper FLA batteries. Does anyone know what type of batteries these boats shipped with? How you measure the 50%? I am basing that on a resting voltage of 12.2v, with the voltage dropping below 12 under load. |
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Post by MartyB on May 19, 2020 3:39:55 GMT
can you find Northstarbattery.com near you in BC? One of the better branded ones in NA as far as AGM goes. $440 retail us vs $340 for an east penn/deka branded version in a size 31. This is a high retail pricing for both. May be able to shave off $100 or so for both depending upon where you buy from etc. You get about double the charge cycles too. that is what i am thinking about vs a FLA that i have had.
issue with AGM, if i remember specs correctly, they want to pull 45% of the amps they are low, vs 25% for FLA, and 20% for gel. So many have to upgrade the ac or dc charging systems, or they hurt them and the batteries.
Mastervolt is another highly thought of AGM supplier of batteries too. East Penn/Deka makes one of the better basic batteries. but to compare them to a Northstar is wrong. EP at least here in Washington supply NAPA, West Marine and a few other stores their in house battery branded versions.
Marty
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