[RE-wrenches] Couple of Qustions about AGM batteries

[Warren Lauzon]

The answer to systems not being used is nearly always leave them on float. 
However, 2 amps seems a bit high for AGM batteries unless you have some kind 
of phantom load.

Equalization for AGM's is different and for a different purpose than with 
flooded. The current should be quite a bit less than you would need for a 
flooded, since the purpose is not to stir the liquid up but simply to get 
all cells in the series up to the same state of charge. AGM's don't usually 
need much equalization.

..................................................................................................
Northern Arizona Wind & Sun - Electricity From The Sun Since 1979
Solar Discussion Forum: http://www.wind-sun.com/ForumVB/
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----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Peter Parrish" <peter.parrish at calsolareng.com>
To: <re-wrenches at re-wrenches.org>
Sent: Sunday, January 31, 2010 4:19 PM
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Couple of Qustions about AGM batteries


> We have put together a 850 Wdc portable stand-alone PV system. It uses a
> Blue Sky 3024DiL charge controller, a pair of SunXtender 250 A-hr AGM
> batteries (24 volt configuration), and a Xantrex Prosine 1000 inverter.
>
> We have been using this system for powering "events" and getting some good
> marketing from the activities. Everything has worked out well, and the
> system is not being used now and probably won't until March or April
> sometime.
>
> We have let the system fully charge the batteries through bulk/absorption
> and now float. The float conditions are 26.4 V and 2.0 A at a battery
> temperature of 21 deg-C.
>
> My first question: is it alright to let the batteries float every day for
> the next 6 to 8 weeks, or should I disconnect them from the rest of the
> system until we are ready to use the system again?
>
> My second question: since the 3024iL can perform an equalization, is there 
> a
> safe equalization procedure for these AGM batteries?
>
> - Peter
>
> Peter T. Parrish, Ph.D., President
> California Solar Engineering, Inc.
> 820 Cynthia Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90065
> CA Lic. 854779, NABCEP Cert. 031806-26
> peter.parrish at calsolareng.com
> Ph 323-258-8883, Mobile 323-839-6108, Fax 323-258-8885
>
>
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