What is the best charging rate for batteries

[Sunking]

Optimize generator to load factor so you do not burn fuel unnecessarily. If you need to know that size pay for it. I have never, nor will I plug my company to do that on a forum.

Ask the right questions and I might answer. Otherwise Kick Rocks.

[greenHouse]

Optimize generator to load factor so you do not burn fuel unnecessarily. If you need to know that size pay for it.

For most generators, that's somewhere around 75% of the generator's nameplate. For biggest bang for your charging buck, stay away from "Absorb".

I have never, nor will I plug my company to do that on a forum.

Last I checked, you work for someone else. I don't.

Ask the right questions and I might answer. Otherwise Kick Rocks.

Or let me answer -- no rock kicking required!

[robtribble]

strings of battery

1 single string of 24 KCT-450 for 48V at 450 ah.
3 strings of 12v 9C12 @ 228 ah @ 48 V
2 strings of 12V 5720 @ 210 ah @ 48 V

[Sunking]

1 single string of 24 KCT-450 for 48V at 450 ah.
3 strings of 12v 9C12 @ 228 ah @ 48 V
2 strings of 12V 5720 @ 210 ah @ 48 V

Wow I recognize the C&D KCT-450, and Deka 9C12, but clueless what 5720 is other than a lead acid battery. Got a manufacture name for the 5720?

One more question are these all in parallel, or 3 separate banks?

What I am driving at is 1 or 3 chargers. I hope these are 3 separate strings because the Deka and C&D batteries are not compatible with each other. The Deka is a pure lead design and the C&D KCT is a calcium. The Deka battery is a marine battery, and the C&D is a telecom stationary battery made for emergency standby service.

[Sunking]

Last I checked, you work for someone else. I don't.

Nope I work for my wife as a gogetter. She calls me and I gogetter.

I own my own design firm with a partner and two associates.

[robtribble]

so the 5720

is a Cat Battery a FLA battery

all strings are setup for parrallel at 48 V

[Sunking]

is a Cat Battery a FLA battery

all strings are setup for parrallel at 48 V

CAT battery, WTF is it? Catapiller brand diesel starting battery?

[Mike90250]

I have several set of batteries, all setup for 48 volts, I have one string at 450ah and another at 330ah. I have a SW5548 what should I set the max charge rate at ? I have a generator, and solar PV.

Who makes all the batteries ? We know a lot, but aren't mind readers.

[greenHouse]

Who makes all the batteries ? We know a lot, but aren't mind readers.

My crystal ball says that is true.

Not sure what a "Cat" battery is either. Almost wondering if it's truck battery that came out of a Caterpillar brand forklift?

Here's the way to tell -- FLA's have caps that can be readily unscrewed or popped off. VRLA's don't. Whether they are AGM or Gel is the only thing left to determine if the battery doesn't have removable caps.

[solargreeneffects]

Sun Xtender Battery PVX-1040T 12 Volts, 104AH

Deep cycle unique high density plate technology provides superior reliability, power & extended cycle life.

Valve regulated (VR), sealed non-spill able design never needs watering, is maintenance free and operates upright, on its side or end.
Low impedance design with excellent charge acceptance

[Iron Bran]

Charging Nickel Iron Batteries

Here is some info on charging Nickel Iron, can you spot the differences?


Method I - The charge current depends on the capacity of solar panels. When charge voltage of the batteries reaches the limited values set, the charge current will diminish gradually. The upper charge voltage limit of the Nickel Iron battery is usually controlled in the range of 1.65 ~ 1.75 V/cell.

Method II

[greenHouse]

Here is some info on charging Nickel Iron, can you spot the differences?

It's subtle -- it looks like the first is where you have limited current and the second is where you don't. What seems to be missing is the maximum charge rate.

[Iron Bran]

Max charge rate for Nickel Iron (ni-fe)

It's subtle -- it looks like the first is where you have limited current and the second is where you don't. What seems to be missing is the maximum charge rate.

Hey, I appreciate your input. Thank you.

I have a lot of information that says the max charge voltage is about 17 V, although there are some older documents that suggest the possibility of very high voltage quick charging (as long as temperature remains below about 120 degrees).

So, the 17 V actually works out to about 1.7 V / cell. In a 12 V system, there would be 10 cells. Each cell produces about 1.2V. The beauty of nickel iron batteries is their durability to withstand multiple cycles without any deterioration in performance.

So, hypothetically you could even wire up a 12 V solar module directly to a Ni-Fe battery. Since the module would produce up to 17 V, you could hook it up, and charge away. (in theory)

I am looking for input on a charge controller that can be programmed to go up to 16-17volts. Outback power can go up to 16, but only in equalize mode. Any thoughts?