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Post by Stanley on Feb 18, 2018 7:15:00 GMT -8
In my camper, I want to switch to AGM batteries. I've read that one shouldn't equalize the batteries. My Rover controller is set to periodically equalize. Is this a problem? Is there a way to disable this process?
Also, I've read that AGMs should not be charged above a rate of 14.1 - 14.8V. My camper charger is a 3 stage and outputs 14.4V in the bulk stage. Any thoughts?
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Post by rabird on Feb 18, 2018 14:15:02 GMT -8
stanley
which AGMs as different battery makers have different thoughts on 'conditioning' agms,
I don't see any issues with the Rover's SEALED setting, 14.6v equal, 2hrs, (Equalization: Is carried out every 28 days of the month. ) 14.4v 'boost'
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Post by Stanley on Feb 18, 2018 14:26:12 GMT -8
Hi, rabird! You helped me out in the past. Thanks for the response - I think Renogy should put you on the payroll! I'm considering the Duracell SLI27MAGMDC batteries.
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Post by rabird on Feb 18, 2018 19:03:51 GMT -8
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Post by Stanley on Feb 19, 2018 0:08:42 GMT -8
Thanks for taking time to research for me. The links are great, and I'm more confident now to go ahead with the switch. For years, I would buy 2 batteries every 2 years - 3 at most. I hope to come out better by switching to AGM. More money up front, cheaper in the long run.
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Post by Stanley on Feb 19, 2018 16:22:50 GMT -8
Update; I had a menu problem with my controller, so I called support. I hope you guys know that I appreciate the help and I know that there is no absolute answer to my concerns. Support said to not equalize AGM batteries because the voltage is too high for that sealed type of battery. I was told to enter the menu item for battery type "USE" which is for user-specific configuration. Then enter the same voltage as the "Boost" stage which is 14.4V. Save that change so that it stays in the "Use" battery type.
My camper's charger outputs 14.4V also, so I should be good to go.
I have read lots of comments and I know battery manufacturers have their own criteria. The support from community members on this forum is great!
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Post by rabird on Feb 19, 2018 16:53:50 GMT -8
Yes, equalize is a bad word for AGMs which to me means 16+v but your controller uses 14.6v, I call that a top charge/maintenance and not an issue, it is only once a month! for 2 hrs. What brand is your campers's charger, I hope is not a WFCO which claims to do 14.4v but never does. What about the distance to the batteries and the voltage drop? FULLY recharge means something! Your past battery buying habits suggest to me that they never are FULLY (cap on purpose for emphasis) charging, repeated undercharging reduces capacity little by little. Want some reading material from lifline, maker of an excellent AGM, be sure and see the chapter on conditioning, chapter 5.5 page 21. lifelinebatteries.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/6-0101-Rev-E-Lifeline-Technical-Manual.pdfsolar with its temp comp makes a great maintainer IMO. Another problem with EQUALIZE of 16v is the fridge's brain and other stuff that may not like that high a voltage needed to recover flooded batteries. |
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Post by Stanley on Feb 20, 2018 16:49:13 GMT -8
The camper charger is 3-stage and outputs over 15V at times. I forget the brand. I got the parameters set today as I indicated above. I'm pretty sure I would have been fine as things were, but I can't go wrong by making the recommended changes.
You are correct about my past charging and battery purchases! For many years I would buy cheap "Marine" batteries - not true deep cells. At 2 years old, they couldn't hold a charge sufficient for me. Often I couldn't run a generator because of location, and I've only had solar capability for a year. Even now, I am often in heavy shade areas.
I've downloaded the lifeline pdf, haven't read it yet.
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