OK�My van charges at about 13.6 to 13.8 or9 max. All the spiffy temp/voltage
AGM battery chargers I see are 120V AC input..

Is there an onboard �charger widget� for upping the charge voltage to the
14.4 the AGB batts need? 

I wasn�t aware that a modern alternator could be tweaked for higher output
voltages. Mine is a 130 amp Ferd alternator and I have an AGM batt for my
refer only. Used to do it on the old mechanical Bug regulators all the time.

Battery/electronics master David B ??? any hints.

 

Daryl of AA Transaxle

425-788-4070

"On the cutting edge of Old technology"

86 Syncro Westy w/Turbo Zetec in the trunk

 

From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
David Beierl
Sent: Monday, March 14, 2011 1:23 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Auxilliary batteries

 

At 05:47 PM 3/13/2011, Gilles H Turmel wrote:

Is there a better solution out there?

To my understanding the gel type battery will only give me higher life
expectancy of the battery with the same autonomy as acid type. Is that a
good assumption?

From the DEKA sealed-battery FAQ at
http://www.dekabatteries.com/assets/base/0139.pdf

What are the advantages and
disadvantages of the different types
of battery designs?
Gelled Electrolyte Advantages:
� Totally maintenance-free
� Air transportable
� Spillproof/leakproof
� No corrosion
� Superior deep cycle life
� Installs upright or on side (side installation may lose
about 10% capacity)
� Very low to no gassing (unless overcharged)
� Compatible with sensitive electronic equipment
� Superior shelf life
� Superior rechargeability
(from 0% to 90% in 31 . 2 hours)
� No recharge current limitation @ 13.8 volts
� Rugged and vibration-resistant
� Very safe at sea with no chlorine gas in bilge
(due to sulfuric acid and salt water mixing)
� Versatile: Starting, Deep Cycle, Stationary
� Operates in wet environments�even under 30 feet of water
� Will not freeze to �20�F/�30�C (if fully charged)
� Lowest cost-per-month (cost � months of life)
� Lowest cost-per-cycle (cost � life cycles)
Gelled Electrolyte Disadvantages:
� Higher initial cost
� Heavier weight
� Water cannot be replaced if continually overcharged
� Automatic temperature-sensing,
voltage-regulated chargers must be used
� Charge voltage must be limited to extend life
(13.8 to 14.1 volts maximum at 68�F)

Absorbed Electrolyte Advantages:
� Totally maintenance-free
� Air transportable
� Spillproof/leakproof
� No corrosion
� Installs upright or on side
� Lower cost than gel cell batteries
� Compatible with sensitive electronic equipment
� Very low to no gassing (unless overcharged)
� Excellent for starting and stationary applications
� Superior for shorter duration/higher rate discharges
� Superior under extreme cold conditions when fully charged
� Superior shelf life
� Superior rechargeability
(from 0% to 90% in 31 . 2 hours)
� Rugged and vibration-resistant
� Very safe at sea with no chlorine gas in bilge
(due to sulfuric acid and salt water mixing)
� Operates in wet environments�even under 30 feet of water
Absorbed Electrolyte Disadvantages:
� Shorter cycle life than gel in very deep cycle applications
� Automatic temperature-sensing,
voltage-regulated chargers must be used
� Water cannot be replaced if continually overcharged
� Charge voltage must be limited
(14.4 to 14.6 volts maximum at 68�F)

Flooded Electrolyte Advantages:
� Lowest initial cost
� Higher cranking amps
� Water can be added (if accessible)
� Excellent for starting applications
� Tolerant of improper recharge voltage
� Certain designs are good for deep cycle applications
� Replacements readily available
� Good under extreme cold conditions when fully charged
Flooded Electrolyte Disadvantages:
� Spillable
� Operates upright only
� Shorter shelf life
� Fewer shipping options
� Cannot be installed near sensitive electronic equipment
� Watering may be required (if accessible)