Notice. New forum software under development. It's going to miss a few functions and look a bit ugly for a while, but I'm working on it full time now as the old forum was too unstable. Couple days, all good. If you notice any issues, please contact me.
mac46 Guru Joined: 07/02/2008 Location: United StatesPosts: 412
Posted: 03:07pm 22 Jul 2012
Copy link to clipboard
Print this post
Georgen,
Caution, reading and studing this stuff will be compulsitory...hook ya for life it will.
Please pay attention to all safety rules and always wear eye protestion, there is a wealth of very good advice given here on the forum...most learned the hard way.
Do not attempt to charge this battery over 14 volts...it will reach about 14.3 volt and then you are in the danger zone for it explodeing.
Mac46I'm just a farmer
mac46 Guru Joined: 07/02/2008 Location: United StatesPosts: 412
Posted: 11:48pm 22 Jul 2012
Copy link to clipboard
Print this post
Georgen,
I ment to also suggest that you can put a light load on this battery for an hour or so and then recharge it right away with a midrange charge...say 10 amp or so, also you can try a desulphinator. Although I have had no success with one on this type of battery, it should help.
Just be very careful and do not let the battery get hot to the touch.
Put you'r eye glasses on !!! and keep this battery away from all valuables and keepsake items...This can and will blow up if you are not careful.
Mac46I'm just a farmer
Georgen Guru Joined: 13/09/2011 Location: AustraliaPosts: 462
Posted: 01:23am 23 Jul 2012
Copy link to clipboard
Print this post
I found US made desulphator, It says about application, that it is good for AGM battery too:
" This is one(1) 12 volts lead acid battery desulfator to recondition a lead acid or sealed dry cell AGM battery "
Does it look like something I should get, or I need something else?
George
mac46 Guru Joined: 07/02/2008 Location: United StatesPosts: 412
Posted: 02:44am 23 Jul 2012
Copy link to clipboard
Print this post
I am not versed with one like this...so no openion other than you get what you pay for. I would suggest that if you plan on restoreing batteries that you consider a larger unit.
Mac46I'm just a farmer
Georgen Guru Joined: 13/09/2011 Location: AustraliaPosts: 462
Posted: 07:44pm 23 Jul 2012
Copy link to clipboard
Print this post
Could you kindly suggest something that would be good for all types of lead-acid batteries?
Or there are different types for:
- Lead-Acid for motor starting,
- Deep Cycle,
- AGM
George
mac46 Guru Joined: 07/02/2008 Location: United StatesPosts: 412
Posted: 03:32am 24 Jul 2012
Copy link to clipboard
Print this post
Georgen,
I would do a Google search if someone does'nt chime in and suggest a given make/model. I think I spent around $100 US for the desulphinator that I have. It has been in service non stop since it arrived...with no issues or problems for over a year now. But it does'nt seem to help when used on (a) "AGM"battery...I'm thinking that the battery was to far gone to be recovered.
You may want to go ahead and try the one you have first selected, could'nt hurt if it does'nt cost to much, but I think a larger unit will have a more powerful surge signel and be more apt to do the job. Just my openion and thinking.
Mac46I'm just a farmer
Georgen Guru Joined: 13/09/2011 Location: AustraliaPosts: 462
Posted: 05:54pm 29 Jul 2012
Copy link to clipboard
Print this post
Found anothere desulphator, on paper it sounds OK
Link will be dead at some stage, so I made copy of details.
[quote]
12V Battery Desulfator & Charger Std Lead Acid, GEL, AGM, Deep Cycle, Calcium
OPERATION:
On connecting the battery correctly the green light will illuminate. If the red light is illuminated it indicates an incorrect reverse polarity connection and the charger will not initiate until the battery is connected correctly.
Once correctly connected the charger will initiate charge (whatever the battery voltage is, 0-12V) and attempt to charge the battery at 2A. Even if 0V (dead battery) the charger will attempt charging until the battery achieves 14.4V then stage 1 terminates.
At this point the blue light then indicates the second stage is initiated and when the battery drops to 13.1V both charging and pulsing continues.
In stage 2 the charger monitors the battery and the charger will re initiate at 0.5A and again charge the battery until the battery voltage returns to 14.4V where it will terminate stage 2.
Next the yellow/white light indicates the third stage is initiated. Pulsing continues and again the charger monitors the battery and as battery voltage drops to 13.1V the charger will re initiate and charge at 0.25A until 13.6V.
The charger will then terminate stage 3 and enter float mode (13.1-13.4V) while continuing with the pulse desulfation function. At this time the green light indicates float mode operation.
In this final maintenance-recovery mode the charger will continue pulsing the sulphates while cycling charge between 13.1V-13.6V. By this point in the rejuvenation process a viable battery will recover (if possible) to its achievable voltage and A/hr capacity.
[/quote]
Have difficulty posting pictureEdited by Georgen 2012-07-31George
mac46 Guru Joined: 07/02/2008 Location: United StatesPosts: 412
Posted: 12:51am 30 Jul 2012
Copy link to clipboard
Print this post
Hello Georgen,
That sounds just like the desulphinator that I have. Not knowing for sure, it sounds like you have found a good one. This is one item that you don't want to be cutting cost on as it will be doing you alot of work and saveing you $$$ in the future, also because some of the cheeper models are prone to failure and just a waste of money.
I have been happy with mine so far.
Mac46I'm just a farmer
Georgen Guru Joined: 13/09/2011 Location: AustraliaPosts: 462
Posted: 01:52am 30 Jul 2012
Copy link to clipboard
Print this post
Looks that copy of picture loaded this time.
Thank you Mat46 for post.
Just find it interesting, that Gel and Glass Mat batteries can be treated with desulphator too.
Not sure what Calcium stands for.George
mac46 Guru Joined: 07/02/2008 Location: United StatesPosts: 412
Posted: 09:39am 30 Jul 2012
Copy link to clipboard
Print this post
Hi Georgen,
The first thing I did when I recieved mine was to sodder the wires to the battery clamps...much better connections that way.
Now then...(Always wear eye protection),,,(Always wear eye protection)...
If you have never had a battery blow up you can not understand why I keep saying this, they can and will blow up occasionally. Sure rings you'r ears and makes a real mess to clean up. Keep a box of bakeing soda close by to neutralize the acid. Keep other people and especially children away from the area. Do not attempt to recharge or use the desulphinator on batteries that are not ment to be recharged.
Read and understand all directions...and do not leave this device unattended while in use, atleast not until you think you understand how reliable it is.
Best of luck with it, I have found that marine batteries are the most likely to blow, not sure why.
Mac46I'm just a farmer
Georgen Guru Joined: 13/09/2011 Location: AustraliaPosts: 462
Posted: 03:10pm 30 Jul 2012
Copy link to clipboard
Print this post
Hi Mac46,
Thank you for reminding me of dangers.
From what you say, makes me think on how to improve my chances if/should my battery explode.
My eyes are one thing, but the acid mess might be the next worst to clean up and repair the damage.
I’ve got little brick-concrete 1.2 meters high area under the stairs, that has small entry.
This has some timber pieces that might have to be relocated to reduce fuel should things catch fire.
There are also few garden supplies including spare soil – this will stay and
clapped out electric mower that I hope to repair or adopt one day for home made wind turbine.
Also it sounds, that some kind of metal container with light roofing could be of use too, to cover the battery.
Might have to include some ventilation holes, so hydrogen and oxygen are not trapped if produced.
(Seen some explosives depots, that had massive walls and light roof – might make some home made copy of this idea)
Even if nothing else works, it will be away from car and other things in garage.
Is there anything else I should include in my safety area?
Another thing, is it also needed just to charge battery?
Probably yes,
In this case I might have to move all my Solar charging gear there to be safe.
George
mac46 Guru Joined: 07/02/2008 Location: United StatesPosts: 412
Posted: 01:13am 31 Jul 2012
Copy link to clipboard
Print this post
Georgen,
I try to do my battery chargeing outside if possible. Other areas that will work great are an outside metal building or garden shed. I have made a simple shield stand out of pipe and a 4x6 foot canvas that I put in place while chargeing a battery in the garage...this makes a barrier between the batterys and me when I'm working in the area. Keep in mind that ventilation in necessary, so keep the air moveing. I also have a shop apron, that I don't always wear, but it helps. I suppose the biggest thing is to make sure that the charger is turned off while makeing connections.
Mac46I'm just a farmer
Georgen Guru Joined: 13/09/2011 Location: AustraliaPosts: 462
Posted: 11:57pm 12 Aug 2012
Copy link to clipboard
Print this post
Thought about incorporating Solar run fan, to create positive air movement.
After all battery will be charged when Sun shines, so perfect match when fan works at the same time.
Only question is:
Could this arrangement be dangerous as fan is driven by electricity and battery produces Oxygen and dangerous Hydrogen?
Perfect disaster recipe if Hydrogen concentration bit high when fan sparks.
Probably fan could set below, or well away ducting some air to dilute any dangerous gasses.
Setting fan below, probably good idea as Hydrogen being lighter than any Air component, will most definitely rise by itself, so any spark well below will be far away to cause any ignition.
George
mac46 Guru Joined: 07/02/2008 Location: United StatesPosts: 412
Posted: 12:12am 13 Aug 2012
Copy link to clipboard
Print this post
You should not need a fan on the battery vent line, it should naturally rise up and out simular to smoke in a chimney...Glen has some thoughts on this in his post recently about setting up his battery bank, he is useing a fan.
Mac46I'm just a farmer
mac46 Guru Joined: 07/02/2008 Location: United StatesPosts: 412
Posted: 12:14am 13 Aug 2012
Copy link to clipboard
Print this post
Sorry, its in "Solar section", Going off grid.
Mac46I'm just a farmer
Georgen Guru Joined: 13/09/2011 Location: AustraliaPosts: 462
Posted: 02:10am 17 Aug 2012
Copy link to clipboard
Print this post
Mac46, thanks for help.
My AGM battery stopped absorbing water and thin film of water sits above the gauze in every cell.
I am not too worried about it as seal is broken anyway and battery will sit as stationary one, so spillage should not happen.
Having little surplus of water, it should last a year or so before water disappears giving me peace of mind that cells will not be too dry.
George
yahoo2 Guru Joined: 05/04/2011 Location: AustraliaPosts: 1166
Posted: 03:58pm 17 Aug 2012
Copy link to clipboard
Print this post
the more batteries that you rehabilitate the more surprises you will get. Batteries with some internal damage can chew water even though they still test OK. others will use no water for weeks then a big chunk of hard sulphate will start to react and you will be topping it up every day until it settles down. I'm confused, no wait... maybe I'm not...
mac46 Guru Joined: 07/02/2008 Location: United StatesPosts: 412
Posted: 05:25pm 17 Aug 2012
Copy link to clipboard
Print this post
Georgen,
How are the batteries by now?
I agree with Yahoo2...its best to keep a log sheet and record the maintance for future referance. As long as the top of the cell is moist you should be good, but you do not want excessive fluid build up in this type of battery.
Mac46I'm just a farmer
Georgen Guru Joined: 13/09/2011 Location: AustraliaPosts: 462
Posted: 01:35am 19 Aug 2012
Copy link to clipboard
Print this post
Yahoo2,
Thank you for advice.
I wasn’t going to check the battery too often, as it took 4 years to dry it out a bit.
And I understand that there was no spare liquid on top of the gauze when battery was new, as instructions allowed to even mount it up side down.
Good to know AGM battery can be moody in water consumption.
I have no problem to peek every month or every fortnight and I will just do that make it fortnightly routine.
Mac46,
Battery always seems to come down to about 12.5 V overnight, even if it shows 12.8V at 9PM well after sunset.
My 40W Solar Panel seems to charge most of my gadgets and the AGM battery.
(It is good fun to have mobile phone, shaver, drill, screw driver, GPS, Portable WiFi and all AA and AAA batteries charged and keep AGM battery almost always 100% charged too.)
Right now only cordless phones and laptop that still run on grid power, but I am happy anyway.
Next move will be 12V Deep Cycle 100Ah Lead Acid battery
After that, will have to look at more or larger Solar Panels.
George
Georgen Guru Joined: 13/09/2011 Location: AustraliaPosts: 462
Posted: 04:00pm 10 Mar 2013
Copy link to clipboard
Print this post
Few things changed since last post.
I am kind of alone with my pursuit of inexpensive fun power.
(Would find it difficult to be able to have 100Ah battery or larger)
Ended up with 2 off 40W panels in lower part of my computer room window and it has to be enough for the time being.
Why? Somebody might ask
Well started to chase some proper roof brackets and with cables it would cost 3 or 4 times as much as both solar panels.
As they are now, they are ‘safe’ from any weather until window is smashed by hail storm or hurricane strength wind.
My AGM battery got checked few times and in the end I added 4 cm cube extra to each cell, so I don’t worry all the time if it is dry already or not.
Battery behaviour did not seem to change much and since battery is quite old and small in reality it works as an absorber.
Most work is done during sun hours.
Lost rechargeable screw driver as gear box got jammed and after pulling it apart there is no way I’ll put it back together not to mention that battery is dead too.
Added Ioniser that is connected when there is way too much electricity generated and shredder that is used from time to time.
Pieces of cardboard placed between window glass and panels fine-tunes power output.
(At the time of picture I experimented with envelopes as shade creation)
When I am not home panels are disconnected as well as are disconnected at night, so morning Sun is not going to boil the AGM battery.
Notice. New forum software under development. It's going to miss a few functions and look a bit ugly for a while, but I'm working on it full time now as the old forum was too unstable. Couple days, all good. If you notice any issues, please contact me.
Print this post
