MPPT with Gel Batteries (was Gel Cycle Life) [RE-wrenches]

[Travis Creswell, Ozark Solar]

The lower bulk charge voltage would  help MPPT controllers start to make a
lot more financial sense when you are limiting the charge voltage to 14.2
(per 12 volt battery).  Right?  I would also suppose that MPPT would even
help (boost charging amps) in summer, especially if the batteries were
getting warm in a temp compensated charge setup.

Travis Creswell
Ozark Energy Services

----- Original Message -----
From: "Doug Pratt" <dpratt at pacific.net>
To: <RE-wrenches at topica.com>
Sent: Sunday, April 13, 2003 12:01 AM
Subject: RE: Gel Cycle Life [RE-wrenches]


>   And yes, with *any* sealed battery you've got to be careful about
> charging voltage. Anything over 14.2v (per 12v battery) for any time,
> results in gassing, which is lost water. Since there's no way to replace
> the water, you've got dry batteries and early death. But if you've got
> decent charge control, sealed batteries are far happier doing long
> stints of float service, that's what they're designed for. And since the
> customer is going to forget to water the batteries in his emergency
> back-up system anyway...sealed cells are a far better choice for most
> back-up systems.
>
> -Doug Pratt
> Real Goods Technical Editor
>

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