Hi Bryan
On (08 Nov 96) Bryan Fullerton wrote to All...
 BF> ............................................. and I need to add another
 BF> one to
 BF> run the accessories on like fridge etc. This battery needs to be good
 BF> holding a
 BF> charge for a long time and being able to recharge again and again.. also
 BF> been
 BF> interested in perhaps collecting some to hook together  and hook up to a
 BF> big
 BF> inverter for when the power goes out.. could still run a few lights
 BF> etc..(G) in
 BF> either of these applications which type or style of battery is best?
For your extra battery which needs to be recharged again and again, I assume
that you expect it to be considerably run down prior to many of these
recharges. In which case an automobile battery would not be the best- these
are not designed to run flat/ recharge/ flat/ recharge, but to remain almost
fully charged throughout the working life.
I suggest that you get a battery as supplied for wheelchairs. These are "deep
cycle" and made to run flat without injury. Much dearer that auto batteries,
but with long life and good performance.
"Holding a charge for a long time" is not to be assumed. Lead acid batteries,
discharge while standing idle. I have seen a figure of one percent per day.
On that basis, and idle battery needs to be charged say once monthly, to
keep it healthy. A PV panel on your vehicle roof could keep it healthy 'tho
neglected, for very long periods.
A historic rail train down here, has solar panels on the roof for just that
purpose- the big 24v batteries under each car cost a lot and must not be
allowed to become diseased thru neglect. The train runs for tourist hire.
Cheers....ALEC
... FLASH! Energiser bunny arrested, charged with battery.
--- PPoint 1.92
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