Basic Power Storage

I've got two deep cycle marine batteries and two large Solar Panels.  Here in Florida, on an average day, I can expect 50 -60 amp/hrs of charging from this system.  A cheap inverter, and I can run 120volt appliances and/or battery chargers.

Having lived aboard a sailboat for 13 years, I'm used to the 12volt lifestyle. Will miss the A/C, but other than that, should be fine.

I'm also using White LED lighting, so the current draw will be minimal for lighting.



 

Batteries

Storage batteries are the heart of an independent power system. They store electricity for use at a later time when a charging source (sun, wind, water or generator) is not available. They also provide a reserve of available energy to run loads that require more power than that provided by the charging source.

Batteries wear out and must eventually be replaced. Regular monitoring and maintenance will extend the life span of your battery bank and save you money. The deeper they are discharged, the shorter their life span will be. Batteries contain toxic materials and should be disposed of properly.

Choosing a Battery
There are many types of batteries available. Many are unsuitable for an independent power system. Choosing the right type of battery is the first step in designing a reliable renewable energy system.

Car Batteries
Car batteries are designed to provide a brief, high current for engine starting, not for deep discharge applications. The 'Cold Cranking Amps' rating does not indicate the battery's storage capacity. The thin plates in these batteries are good for a quick release of energy, but deep discharging will cause rapid deterioration. These are a poor choice for alternative energy systems.

RV and Marine Batteries
These Batteries are a compromise between engine starting batteries and deep cycle batteries. The plates are similar to the engine starting batteries and will not withstand repeated deep discharging. They are adequate for small (under 200 amp / hours) systems and might last 2 to 4 years. These are not a true deep discharge battery despite the claims on the label to be a 'deep cycle' battery.

Motive Power Batteries
Motive batteries are deep-cycle batteries used to provide energy for electric vehicles such as golf carts and forklifts. They have thick plates that will withstand many deep discharge cycles. These are used for most independent power systems as they are durable, have good storage capacity and are cost effective. These are usually in a 2, 6 or 12V casing. Typically, the golf cart batteries will last four to seven years, while the Global-Yuasa forklift batteries will last 10 to 20 years.

Stationary Batteries
These cells, common known as utility backup cells are used by telephone companies for back-up power supply systems. They are often designed with calcium alloy plates which are not for deep cycling, so they are poor batteries for a most renewable energy systems. However, they may be suitable for use in systems where there is no requirement for autonomy such as a micro hydro installation. When batteries are used this way, also referred to as 'float service', they are storing reserve energy for peak load demands. Stationary 2V cells frequently come in a clear casing.

Gel (sealed) Batteries
Gel cells are filled with an electrolyte that is in the form of a gel or sponge. It is not possible to service this type of battery or replace the electrolyte. They have a much shorter life and cost considerably more than liquid filled batteries. These batteries require no maintenance, tolerate low temperatures, do not spill and do not produce corrosive gases. They are good at remote sites where maintenance is not possible and cold weather prevails. Precise charge control is critical.


Edited by bruss01

I guess I need to understand what an inverter is first....

Help!

Thanks Corky!

This is when I wish I would have listened to science class a little more closely.

As a female I just never had much interest in the mechanical side of life.

I appreciate your help!

Just be aware, if your house is the only one on your street with lights on after dark, harbor no illusions that no one will notice.  You just posted a neon sign stating:

WE HAVE... AND YOU DO NOT!

Don't be surprised if that attracts beggars, the curious, and those who would want to take what you have.  It's not much of a leap to infer that if you had foresight to have batteries and/or a generator and fuel, that you'll have other valuable commodities on hand as well.  Keeping the heavy drapes drawn, the noise down, and tight lips about your provisions are precautions worth taking.  What begins as admiration ("boy, that guy was thinking ahead...") may progress to envy ("Who does he think he is, having lights and tv and hot meals, while we shiver out here in the cold and dark?") and eventually become malice ("Somebody ought to show him a thing or two... wouldn't be so high and mighty if that generator turned up missing... ").  Become a student of human nature, it's one of the few things that never changes.

Edited by bruss01

I was already thinking that  I plan to have candles for light  and the tv small portable in a boarded up room.    I plan to give off the appearance I a m no better of than the rest of the neighbours.     I plan to watch my weight I will need to appear to be losing weight.   There will be alot of other tricks ,  One half a sad looking candle at the front entrance.  I worry about cooking smells coming from the house, 

On of my neighbours had  generator and sure enough one of the neighbours asked for a extention cord to it during a power outage.

several people on the street knocked on the door to ask why they had power and this was just a minor power outage.

I plan not to curtain the front room so that looter can look in and see no food no heat sourse, no lighting .  The back room upstairs will have the only heat sourse and food will be hiden in the walls. If looters break in the

cupbaords will have some tuna a few dollars hidden in a tin can and a half a candle .  If looters get in the house I figure its best to let them think they got everything 

Edited by RBARNES55

bruss-

You are right on.  Survival Bling-Bling could be the reason for one's demise.  Camaflage your lifestyle.  Good stuff.  Point well taken.

I've been considering getting an insert wood stove for my fireplace for efficiency and warmth. The regular fireplace does nothing to provide heat. However I'm concerned that the smoke from a chimney is going to attract unwanted attention. Does anyone have any thoughts on this? I live in a cold climate and the solar idea is pretty expensive. Although I did find an interesting solar panel that heats a home from http://www.cansolair.com It sells for $1995 + 250 shipping + 200 installation. Don't know anything about it but it looks interesting.