12v domestic electrical systems

Solar energy, wind turbines whatever it is then here is your place to talk about it.
camillitech
Living the good life
Living the good life
Posts: 255
Joined: Thu Oct 05, 2006 7:48 pm
Location: raasay

Post: # 41799Post camillitech »

hi stoney
unless you can get these batteries alot cheaper than a conventional deepcycle lead acid i wouldnae bother. because they are all costly variations of the same thing. gel is just stiff acid which is fine in a sub, lifeboat, or landrover that may spend some time upside down but the gel does not take kindly to rapid charging as it can't gas. low maintainance batteries are the same (don't vent properly to recycle the electrolyte) the good old traction battery can take a very high charge with no damage and sure it will gas but waters cheap! same with glass/carbon mat or spiral wound. fine when space/weight is an issue or you're doing the paris dakar but all these advantages come at a price and are not really relevent in a home instalation. and as far as 'marine' goes there's no such thing it's just a name given to a normal battery to make it sound better. batteries are either designed for rapid discharge over a short period (car,lorry,tractor,etc) lots of thin plates. or deep discharge and continuos cycling (not so many thick plates) the so called semi traction battery just has medium plates.
well that's my oppinion anyway :lol:

User avatar
red
A selfsufficientish Regular
A selfsufficientish Regular
Posts: 6513
Joined: Sun Jul 30, 2006 7:59 pm
Location: Devon UK
Contact:

Post: # 41812Post red »

I've heard of people going to 12v in period properties, to avoid the new regs and having to channel into old lime plaster, keep old fittings etc etc. it might be worth looking into these websites, books etc for info.
Red

I like like minded people... a bit like minded anyway.. well people with bits of their minds that are like the bits of my mind that I like...

my website: colour it green

etsy shop

blog

Martin
A selfsufficientish Regular
A selfsufficientish Regular
Posts: 2029
Joined: Sat May 06, 2006 8:50 am
Location: Nr Heathfield, East Sussex
Contact:

Post: # 41816Post Martin »

whatever batteries you end up with, you'll need to get the wiring right to ensure their longest possible life - there is a very common mistake made, which can shorten a bank's life considerably - here's how to do it right!
http://www.smartgauge.co.uk/batt_con.html :cooldude:
http://solarwind.org.uk - a small company in Sussex sourcing, supplying, and fitting alternative energy products.
Amateurs encouraged - very keen prices and friendly helpful service!

User avatar
Stonehead
A selfsufficientish Regular
A selfsufficientish Regular
Posts: 2432
Joined: Wed Apr 12, 2006 2:31 pm
Location: Scotland
Contact:

Post: # 41819Post Stonehead »

Martin wrote:whatever batteries you end up with, you'll need to get the wiring right to ensure their longest possible life - there is a very common mistake made, which can shorten a bank's life considerably - here's how to do it right!
http://www.smartgauge.co.uk/batt_con.html :cooldude:
Thanks. I'd heard about this, but the diagrams make it a lot easier to envisage.
Image

camillitech
Living the good life
Living the good life
Posts: 255
Joined: Thu Oct 05, 2006 7:48 pm
Location: raasay

Post: # 41838Post camillitech »

Martin wrote:whatever batteries you end up with, you'll need to get the wiring right to ensure their longest possible life - there is a very common mistake made, which can shorten a bank's life considerably - here's how to do it right!
http://www.smartgauge.co.uk/batt_con.html :cooldude:
i have to go out now and rewire a battery bank :( fortunatly not my 1000ah 48v one :cooldude:
thanks martin

Post Reply