chametzoo
Full Member
Posts: 585
Likes: 128
1960 Mobile Scout
Currently Offline
|
Post by chametzoo on Apr 19, 2016 16:56:25 GMT -8
Since batteries gas when charging, I still think that wiring the fan to only be powered when the converter or solar panels are operating would cut down on the power usage. The converter already charges more slowly than the battery mfgr recommends, I don't think you need to worry about "excessive" gassing when on a hookup. So the batteries off gas mostly when charging?… not so much when discharging or on "float"? Given the amount of openings and vents in the compartment, along with the vented box enclosure for the batteries, you'd be comfortable turning the fan off when not on the 14.8V solar charging from the TriStar… like overnight with no sunshine and not much load?
|
|
cowcharge
1K Member
Posts: 1,003
Likes: 328
Currently Offline
|
Post by cowcharge on Apr 20, 2016 5:32:09 GMT -8
Once they're separated from everything, yes, IMO. But you can see it for yourself, just pull the battery caps off and look at the electrolyte while it's charging on the converter, on the solar, and discharging. Check each situation. It doesn't fizz like a poured soda, it just pops a few tiny bubbles out. With only 100 watts, you'd probably be pretty safe during solar charging as well. More than one source I've read says they only gas during "overcharging", which doesn't necessarily mean damaging them, but only that they've reached 80-ish% and can't accept almost unlimited amps any more, so extra amps cause gassing. I haven't boxed my batteries in yet because I haven't built the dinette, but I'm tempted to just use a drafting "chimney" type vent like they use on outhouses on mine, and let the wind and "floatage" do the venting. I think the only reason you need a fan at all is because your vent tube has to go down to the opening. You may get some argument on this point, and extra safety is always good, but it's my opinion.
|
|
chametzoo
Full Member
Posts: 585
Likes: 128
1960 Mobile Scout
Currently Offline
|
Post by chametzoo on Apr 20, 2016 16:57:50 GMT -8
I think the only reason you need a fan at all is because your vent tube has to go down to the opening. You may get some argument on this point, and extra safety is always good, but it's my opinion. Agreed… The last thing you want to do is trap the gas and not let it out. When boon docking, the fan can probably go off during sleeping hours; no charging… very little discharging. BTW, I discovered that the fan is plugged into a USB port that is a 12V to 5V converter… so the fan is indeed running at its rated voltage.
|
|
RinTin
Full Member
Posts: 760
Likes: 292
Currently Offline
|
Post by RinTin on Apr 21, 2016 5:13:03 GMT -8
Are you including a battery monitor that gives you a readout of the charging volts/amps? It might be nice to keep an eye on things for an extra margin of safety.
|
|
chametzoo
Full Member
Posts: 585
Likes: 128
1960 Mobile Scout
Currently Offline
|
Post by chametzoo on Apr 21, 2016 8:07:43 GMT -8
Are you including a battery monitor that gives you a readout of the charging volts/amps? It might be nice to keep an eye on things for an extra margin of safety. I am probably going to use the Trimetric SC2030 solar controller/charger along with the TM2030 monitor. This is an excellent combination [see "Handy Bob's" first hand review: 2015 – The TRIMETRIC 2030… PERFECT « HandyBob's Blog]. Monitors don't make systems safer, they just let you know where you're at with power… a good thing to know with solar. If your controller/charger is working properly and you have appropriate fuses in line, that will keep the system safe.
|
|
RinTin
Full Member
Posts: 760
Likes: 292
Currently Offline
|
Post by RinTin on Apr 21, 2016 9:04:59 GMT -8
Are you including a battery monitor that gives you a readout of the charging volts/amps? It might be nice to keep an eye on things for an extra margin of safety. I am probably going to use the Trimetric SC2030 solar controller/charger along with the TM2030 monitor. This is an excellent combination [see "Handy Bob's" first hand review: 2015 – The TRIMETRIC 2030… PERFECT « HandyBob's Blog]. Monitors don't make systems safer, they just let you know where you're at with power… a good thing to know with solar. If your controller/charger is working properly and you have appropriate fuses in line, that will keep the system safe. Yes, a monitor only gives you information, but not knowing how your converter regulates the rate of charge, and without a monitor, having no way to tell if the converter is charging properly, I was thinking if it began overcharging you'd want to know sooner than later. A fuse will certainly provide protection, but very little information. Sounds like you have it covered though.
|
|