|
|
07-12-2019, 12:34 AM
|
#1
|
Rivet Master
2007 27' International CCD FB
San Diego
, California
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 2,123
|
Supercharge Your Solar Charge Controller Settings
I recently checked and watered my 6V Lead Acid batts, and while at it, also checked each cells health with a hydrometer.
The hydrometer showed that not all cells were balanced. Roughly half the cells on each battery showed excellent health/charge (1.300), while the other half was a tad lower at 1.275. While this could be normal wear, my batts are rather new at 2 years old and tendered each day with 400W solar. I decided to dig in deeper and check out my solar charge controller settings.
To my surprise, while my solar charge controller was set correctly on flooded lead acid (FLA), inspection of the specific voltages showed that the defaults were way tepid, especially absorption and equalization voltages.
Default FLA solar controller voltages:
Bulk (max current), Absorption (14.4V), Equilization (14.6V), Float (13.8V)
GC2 charging recommendation:
Bulk (14.46), Absorption (15.3V), Equilization (15.6V), Float (13.4V)
Figures why the cell balances were off. So I set the charge controller to "user" profile and punched in the desired voltage targets.
One day later, checked again with the hydrometer and bam, all cells are full-up hunky dory measuring in at 1.300. Should have a bit more reserve capacity this way as well. Never figured defaults for FLA would be significantly off optimal, or perhaps they are just too conservative.
|
|
|
07-12-2019, 07:11 AM
|
#2
|
Overkill Specialist
Commercial Member
2020 30’ Globetrotter
2014 23' International
Dadeville
, Alabama
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 4,516
|
I did the same with my Victron 100/30 and set it to Trojans specs for there T105 lead acids
|
|
|
07-12-2019, 07:23 AM
|
#3
|
Rivet Master
2018 27' Globetrotter
Apollo Beach
, Florida
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,401
|
Here are the settings I use on my Victron 100/30 with a pair of Duracell EGC2 wet-cell golf cart batteries. These settings keep my batteries testing at 13.0 on a Hydrometer. These settings cause my batteries to use significant amounts of water. I check and refill my water levels monthly.
Also, you can manually “equalize” to rebalance the cells. I only use manual equalize when the Airstream’s store/use switch is in the store position to avoid running 15.2V into my 12V appliances.
Link to charging parameters http://www.eastpennmanufacturing.com...eters-1913.pdf
__________________
2021 Northern-Lite 10-2 & F350 DRW PSD, 600W Solar/Victron/600A BattleBorn
146 nights 31,000 miles (first 10 months!)
Sold: 2018 GT27Q, 74 nights 12,777 miles
Sold: 2017 FC25FB, 316 nights 40,150 miles
Sold: 2013 Casita SD17 89 nights 16,200 miles
|
|
|
07-12-2019, 07:56 AM
|
#4
|
Rivet Master
2022 25' Flying Cloud
NCR
, Ontario
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 3,106
|
victron has settings on their site also, they also cover different lion chemistry types
|
|
|
07-12-2019, 09:12 AM
|
#5
|
Half a Rivet Short
2017 30' Classic
2022 Interstate 24X
Carlisle
, Pennsylvania
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 15,742
|
Hi
"Golf cart batteries" are a bit different than a normal lead acid wet cell. They are optimized for lots of fast charge / discharge at the risk of a bit more self discharge in storage. You can dig all this out by comparing the data sheets on the various batteries.
In a system like an RV where you have *two* controllers, each of them can get into the act of taking the battery up to this or that voltage to do this or that task. Given the way T-105's are designed, there isn't a lot of risk from two chargers both doing this or that. Indeed, you probably should program both your solar controller *and* your charger / converter to match what the batteries need.
Regardless of one or two devices running up to the higher voltages, you *will* need to check water levels a bit more often when "running them right". They will put out a bit more "steam" at the higher voltages.
The other risk is the same as with all batteries. The magic voltages are temperature dependent. If your charging gear all has proper temperature probes and compensates for this, you are fine. If not, there is a risk of overdriving the batteries. The voltages likely drop by around a half volt when it gets hot. Running the converter "low" matches up to the "hot battery" situation. What happens in the "over drive" case? You push a lot more water out of the batteries .....ultimately you could damage them.
Bob
|
|
|
07-12-2019, 10:51 AM
|
#6
|
Rivet Master
2007 27' International CCD FB
San Diego
, California
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 2,123
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by AirMiles
These settings cause my batteries to use significant amounts of water. I check and refill my water levels monthly.
[/url]
|
How much water are you adding monthly?
I've been typically checking my batts every 1/2 year and they take very little if any water.
I could easily switch between the default and user profiles if it proves to consume much more water.
The manufacturer Absorption voltage is specified with a time duration. Perhaps I can tweak the voltage and duration down too as it's probably the main driver for water loss.
Quote:
Originally Posted by uncle_bob
Hi
In a system like an RV where you have *two* controllers, each of them can get into the act of taking the battery up to this or that voltage to do this or that task. Given the way T-105's are designed, there isn't a lot of risk from two chargers both doing this or that. Indeed, you probably should program both your solar controller *and* your charger / converter to match what the batteries need.
Regardless of one or two devices running up to the higher voltages, you *will* need to check water levels a bit more often when "running them right". They will put out a bit more "steam" at the higher voltages.
The other risk is the same as with all batteries. The magic voltages are temperature dependent. If your charging gear all has proper temperature probes and compensates for this, you are fine. If not, there is a risk of overdriving the batteries. The voltages likely drop by around a half volt when it gets hot. Running the converter "low" matches up to the "hot battery" situation. What happens in the "over drive" case? You push a lot more water out of the batteries .....ultimately you could damage them.
Bob
|
Great points Bob.
I don't ever bother and rarely use my factory installed converter-charger now that I have 400W solar. Heck, I rarely even bother plugging in my RV to electrical hookups.
I do have a thermostat on my solar charger which I believe is key to protecting the batts and helping them perform optimally.
|
|
|
07-12-2019, 11:33 AM
|
#7
|
Rivet Master
2007 22' International CCD
Corona
, California
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 9,180
|
Supercharge Your Solar Charge Controller Settings
Agree. 250 watts of solar panel on the roof with an MPPT solar controller with the temperature probe in the battery box is the best route. That’s what I have, and it coddles the 6 volt GC-2 wet batteries.
Only a couple ounces of water a month, and a lot of that is probably due to the stunningly low humidity and high temperatures here in the SoCal desert areas. I have a battery watering system so it’s quick and easy.
Airstream is parked in full sun, with one FantasticFan open. The fan probably runs all day when the sun is out, but batteries are still fully charged at dusk. I set to “Use” to help keep internal temperature ‘reasonable’ in storage yard.
__________________
Rich, KE4GNK/AE, Overkill Engineering Dept.
'The Silver HamShack' ('07 International 22FB CCD 75th Anniversary)
Multiple Yaesu Ham Radios inside and many antennae sprouting from roof, ProPride hitch, Prodigy P2 controller.
2012 shortbed CrewMax 4x4 Toyota Tacoma TV with more antennae on it.
|
|
|
07-12-2019, 11:51 AM
|
#8
|
Rivet Master
2018 27' Globetrotter
Apollo Beach
, Florida
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,401
|
How much water per month? I typically add two or three full Big Red hydrometers of water per cell each month. You will need to check more frequently with your new higher voltage settings. I do have Temperature and Voltage compensation on my Victron solar controller and also leave my PD4655 converter disconnected except when I need to boost charge the batteries a few hours per year.
__________________
2021 Northern-Lite 10-2 & F350 DRW PSD, 600W Solar/Victron/600A BattleBorn
146 nights 31,000 miles (first 10 months!)
Sold: 2018 GT27Q, 74 nights 12,777 miles
Sold: 2017 FC25FB, 316 nights 40,150 miles
Sold: 2013 Casita SD17 89 nights 16,200 miles
|
|
|
07-12-2019, 12:42 PM
|
#9
|
Half a Rivet Short
2017 30' Classic
2022 Interstate 24X
Carlisle
, Pennsylvania
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 15,742
|
Hi
As you add more water, you need to get more careful ( or at least be careful ) of the water source. Tap water is generally a bad idea. The stuff that goes in it at the water plant to keep the pipes from rusting isn't the best of the best for your batteries. Most well water has the same issues. Distilled water is best, a gallon jug should last you a *long* time.
Most grocery and drug stores have real distilled water (it will be on the label) on the shelf these days. Even at a couple bucks a jug, it's a lot cheaper than taking a few years off the life of the batteries. Will this or that water source take a few years off? ...... who knows .... I for one would not want to discover that
Note that normal bottled water likely is no different than what comes out of your tap at home in this regard. You are after something a bit different. Even water from an RO setup is not quite as good as distilled water. It's a *lot* better, but not quite the same thing.
Bob
|
|
|
07-12-2019, 02:45 PM
|
#10
|
The Aluminum Tent 3
2014 23' Flying Cloud
Park City
, Utah
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 2,157
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by pteck
So I set the charge controller to "user" profile and punched in the desired voltage targets.
|
My controller is set to the default position of '2' on the rotary switch on the controller. Do you just leave it in that position and then change the voltage targets via the app? I have two brand new Trojan T105s and want to get this little twist in the plot dialed in for sure.
|
|
|
07-12-2019, 03:20 PM
|
#11
|
Rivet Master
2018 27' Globetrotter
Apollo Beach
, Florida
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,401
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by pcskier
My controller is set to the default position of '2' on the rotary switch on the controller. Do you just leave it in that position and then change the voltage targets via the app? I have two brand new Trojan T105s and want to get this little twist in the plot dialed in for sure.
|
Yes. I just realized my temperature compensation setting was incorrect and changed it to -18mV. Six cells times -3mV
Here is a link to Trojan T105 charging parameters. https://www.trojanbattery.com/pdf/da...ata_Sheets.pdf
__________________
2021 Northern-Lite 10-2 & F350 DRW PSD, 600W Solar/Victron/600A BattleBorn
146 nights 31,000 miles (first 10 months!)
Sold: 2018 GT27Q, 74 nights 12,777 miles
Sold: 2017 FC25FB, 316 nights 40,150 miles
Sold: 2013 Casita SD17 89 nights 16,200 miles
|
|
|
07-12-2019, 03:31 PM
|
#12
|
3 Rivet Member
Springtown
, Texas
Join Date: Aug 2016
Posts: 131
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by pcskier
My controller is set to the default position of '2' on the rotary switch on the controller. Do you just leave it in that position and then change the voltage targets via the app? I have two brand new Trojan T105s and want to get this little twist in the plot dialed in for sure.
|
from the manual
User defined algorithm:
Any setting change performed with Bluetooth or via VE.Direct will
override the rotary switch setting. Turning the rotary switch will
override prior settings made with Bluetooth or VE.Direct.
|
|
|
07-12-2019, 08:54 PM
|
#13
|
The Aluminum Tent 3
2014 23' Flying Cloud
Park City
, Utah
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 2,157
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by AirMiles
|
Thanks. I had that sheet printed out and in my pile along with various other diagrams etc. for my solar and 6v upgrade. I went ahead this afternoon and changed my float voltage to 13.50 and bulk to 14.82, and equalize to 16.20 as per the specs. Thanks for bringing it up pteck and starting this thread. I might have gotten there eventually, but who knows when I might have actually taken the time to read the manual.
Quote:
Originally Posted by CarterKraft
from the manual
User defined algorithm:
Any setting change performed with Bluetooth or via VE.Direct will
override the rotary switch setting. Turning the rotary switch will
override prior settings made with Bluetooth or VE.Direct.
|
Thanks. Once I finish this install I need to spend some time and actually read the manual(s) a bit more thoroughly!
|
|
|
07-13-2019, 07:05 AM
|
#14
|
Half a Rivet Short
2017 30' Classic
2022 Interstate 24X
Carlisle
, Pennsylvania
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 15,742
|
Hi
Another thing to check any time you set up one of these controllers: Is the temperature compensation number in "per degrees F" or the far more common "per degrees C". I have seen devices that happily switch the *display* units from C to F, but keep the other entries in C no matter what .....
Bob
|
|
|
07-13-2019, 08:58 AM
|
#15
|
Rivet Master
2007 27' International CCD FB
San Diego
, California
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 2,123
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by AirMiles
|
I could very well be wrong, but I'm not sure multiplying by 6 is the right interpretation.
The parameter is usually spec'd in units as 3mV/℃/2V
The controller knows the operating voltage. In our case, 12V. It's going to take that into consideration and multiply the 3mV/℃/2V within its own logic. These controllers typically also support 24V systems as well. So upon detection of that, it knows to compensate 3mV/℃ per every 2V of system voltage.
Much like the temperature part, it's the dependent variable based on operating conditions.
|
|
|
07-13-2019, 09:04 AM
|
#16
|
Rivet Master
2007 27' International CCD FB
San Diego
, California
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 2,123
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by uncle_bob
Note that normal bottled water likely is no different than what comes out of your tap at home in this regard. You are after something a bit different. Even water from an RO setup is not quite as good as distilled water. It's a *lot* better, but not quite the same thing.
|
Funny that you bring up reverse osmosis water. That's what I use as it's just easy and accessible.
It could be argued that RO water is purer than distilled in some qualities. I wouldn't sweat between using RO or distilled for the average flooded lead acid battery.
To your point, definitely not good to use regular bottled or tap which many times are indistinguishable depending on where one lives. It wouldn't be "healthy" water for batteries.
|
|
|
07-13-2019, 01:28 PM
|
#17
|
Rivet Master
2018 27' Globetrotter
Apollo Beach
, Florida
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,401
|
I
Quote:
Originally Posted by pteck
I could very well be wrong, but I'm not sure multiplying by 6 is the right interpretation.
The parameter is usually spec'd in units as 3mV/℃/2V
The controller knows the operating voltage. In our case, 12V. It's going to take that into consideration and multiply the 3mV/℃/2V within its own logic. These controllers typically also support 24V systems as well. So upon detection of that, it knows to compensate 3mV/℃ per every 2V of system voltage.
Much like the temperature part, it's the dependent variable based on operating conditions.
|
You are right. The controller uses Celsius/Volt and the battery is stated in Fahrenheit/cell. So now I need to recalculate. Maybe I had it right the first time? I need someone better than me at this calculation to give me the right answer.
__________________
2021 Northern-Lite 10-2 & F350 DRW PSD, 600W Solar/Victron/600A BattleBorn
146 nights 31,000 miles (first 10 months!)
Sold: 2018 GT27Q, 74 nights 12,777 miles
Sold: 2017 FC25FB, 316 nights 40,150 miles
Sold: 2013 Casita SD17 89 nights 16,200 miles
|
|
|
07-13-2019, 02:10 PM
|
#18
|
Rivet Master
2018 27' Globetrotter
Apollo Beach
, Florida
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,401
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by AirMiles
You are right. The controller uses Celsius/Volt and the battery is stated in Fahrenheit/cell. So now I need to recalculate. Maybe I had it right the first time? I need someone better than me at this calculation to give me the right answer.
|
I still have the above statement wrong and it’s too late to edit. The controller uses “mV per degree Fahrenheit” and the battery is stated as “-3mV/cell/ degree Celsius”. There are six cells in the batteries. This calculation is above my pay grade!
Ok, I believe I figured it out! My original setting of -32.40 is probably correct if the formula is -3mV x 6 cells / .5555 = -32.40. The .5555 is to convert to Fahrenheit.
__________________
2021 Northern-Lite 10-2 & F350 DRW PSD, 600W Solar/Victron/600A BattleBorn
146 nights 31,000 miles (first 10 months!)
Sold: 2018 GT27Q, 74 nights 12,777 miles
Sold: 2017 FC25FB, 316 nights 40,150 miles
Sold: 2013 Casita SD17 89 nights 16,200 miles
|
|
|
07-14-2019, 08:22 AM
|
#19
|
Half a Rivet Short
2017 30' Classic
2022 Interstate 24X
Carlisle
, Pennsylvania
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 15,742
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by pteck
Funny that you bring up reverse osmosis water. That's what I use as it's just easy and accessible.
It could be argued that RO water is purer than distilled in some qualities. I wouldn't sweat between using RO or distilled for the average flooded lead acid battery.
To your point, definitely not good to use regular bottled or tap which many times are indistinguishable depending on where one lives. It wouldn't be "healthy" water for batteries.
|
Hi
Ummm .... errr .... not in terms of the conductive stuff that matters to a battery. Good clean water has less "crud" in it than your normal RO system output. An RO system is doing well at the 100K ohm level. Distilled water should be above a mega ohm "as delivered". Most plants I've seen run around the 4 megohm range when it goes into the bottle. The process water we used at work was around 18 mega ohms.
This assumes we are talking about a normal / simple single stage RO that runs a reasonable ratio of water in to water out. They don't have ion cartridges on them that you replace every month, though they may have a carbon cartridge.
Bob
|
|
|
07-14-2019, 09:16 AM
|
#20
|
Rivet Master
2007 27' International CCD FB
San Diego
, California
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 2,123
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by uncle_bob
Hi
Ummm .... errr .... not in terms of the conductive stuff that matters to a battery. Good clean water has less "crud" in it than your normal RO system output. An RO system is doing well at the 100K ohm level. Distilled water should be above a mega ohm "as delivered". Most plants I've seen run around the 4 megohm range when it goes into the bottle. The process water we used at work was around 18 mega ohms.
This assumes we are talking about a normal / simple single stage RO that runs a reasonable ratio of water in to water out. They don't have ion cartridges on them that you replace every month, though they may have a carbon cartridge.
Bob
|
Sure, if I want only the absolute best for my $90 batteries. For the minor ounces a year my batteries have taken, I'll admit I'm more than happy to compromise on many things and sometimes good enough (and RO is plenty good enough) will do.
We'll see what the new watering needs will be. Depending on that, I'll take your advice and keep a jug of distilled around.
|
|
|
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Recent Discussions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|