TH>DB>Deep cycle batteries have more watts per cubic inch, but also a
TH>DB>lot more dollars per watt than generic car batteries.
TH>Careful. Watts is power. Auto batters pack more 'cranking' watts
TH>than deep cycle batteries, but run down sooner as a result.
TH>Deep-charge batteries can provide more sustained current. They are
TH>also designed to last longer through deeper cycles, hence their
TH>name.
DB>Well, maybe under professional conditions, but in living off the
DB>rid for 20 odd years, that has not been my experience with them
DB>im. I have hooked up my DCPC to deep cycle brand new golf cart
DB>ells, and *not* gotten the kind of performnace listed on the top
DB>of the batteries.
Hmm. Well that may be true, but I never said anything to the
contrary. My point is that regular 'car' batteries tend to provide
more power (and even more energy) but they will fail sooner in
a deep-cycle environment.
If your DC batteries don't perform, that is not the normal
characteristic of such batteries. There are likely reasons for such
poor performance.
DB>Drawing 28 watts, 50$ in deep cycle did not run my system as long
DB>as 50$ in conventional 12 volt 'second/blems' type batteries.
A 28-watt draw is not hard on either type of cell. In fact could be
detrimental to deep cycle batteries. The plates are designed
differently, and as such are suseptable to building up an insulating
film of lead-oxide, thus loosing its ability to release its charge.
DB>The latter took 50-75% more space, and wieghed 25% more. I have
DB>mixed the deep cycle with the conventional vehicle cells in the
DB>battery banks I had, and did not find that they resisted
DB>sulphation nearly as well as they were spozed to, and on that
DB>account, never lasted the five years i was lead to expect.
Hmmm. Sounds like no good batteries. [g] I just gave away some cart
batteries I had since 1981. They still worked and the guy is using
them as back-up in his house.
DB>However: if you can find Telco substation cells,...
TH>Railroads also have similar cells. I can get 2V-340AH cells in a
TH>clear polymer case for $20 ea. They are used but I am assured that
TH>they are good for another ten years of service. Of course that
TH>depends on the usage.
DB>Terrific value! I will havta try to check into it.
Yea. But, I can't advise you on where to check with. I know a friend,
of a friend.... you know how that goes. Somewhere up the line the guy
works for the railroad. He probably gets them for free. I hope he
isn't stealing them. [grin]
best regards...
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