Battery considerations

[drewpster]

I remember reading somewhere that using multiple batteries wired in series to make 12 v is a good idea for use in isolated battery systems. I can't remember the reason why. Any thoughts?

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Battery considerations

I have seen it done with 6V golf cart batteries.

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Battery considerations

[colour=blue]It's not a good idea - it's a GREAT idea, especially if you run 'amp' hungry appliances.

Consider the physical size of an average 12v flooded battery. A good quality automotive 6volter has similar dimensions but only 3 cells (a 12volter has 6). That means that the 3 cells that it does have are built bigger, thicker,stronger - much more capable of supplying a sustained draw.

 

[drewpster]

Re: Battery considerations

So they last longer? Meaning you get longer service life?
Or they have more capacity, meaning they sustain a charge longer. ?

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Battery considerations

[colour=blue]If one goes bad it will drag down the other - you could end up losing both if you don't have a regular maintenance schedule. In that respect, longevity can be an issue. That being said, a good quality 6 volter will usually have a higher finite cycle life than a 12 volter. Another plus is that a lot of 6 volters are specifically designed for industrial applications (floor sweepers etc). They are built for longevity.

I run 6 x 6volters totalling 720 amps per hour (20 hour rating), to get similar storage from just 12 volters, I would need at least 7 group 27's.

If you have sustained high amp requirements, it's worth considering, especially if weight and space are not a problem.