Suspicious about my 200ah battery actual capacity
Suspicious about my 200ah battery actual capacity
I have a 200ah lead acid tubular battery connected to my solar system. I notice the voltage drop is too much for the load I am putting on the battery at night time.
On 10 amps load the battery voltage went down to 11.5 in under 2 hours.
Check all connections associated with the battery. Loose or poor quality connections will cause excessive voltage drop during discharge and excessive voltage rise on charge - meaning it's less likely the battery gets fully charged.
I saw a chart that doesn't match my battery's performance.
That's an RC test, 25A. Apples to oranges.
The load is around 100w so according to the manual I should get 24:30 of backup time.
Only if you want to thrash the battery out in a year or less. Lead acid shouldn't be discharged below 50%.
Should i contact the company that installed the system for me to replace my battery or am i not getting something?
Maybe.
The battery is under 2 months old and it has never been below 10.8v.
This indicates you are using it pretty agressively.
You haven't indicated how you're charging the battery. Are you % certain that the battery is getting fully charged?
Battery datasheet?
That's an RC test, 25A. Apples to oranges.The point is, my battery's voltage drop Is higher even with less current and bigger capacity.
This indicates you are using it pretty agressively.I never got the battery below 70% of its capacity. How am I using it aggressively?
You haven't indicated how you're charging the battery. Are you % certain that the battery is getting fully charged?
The 10.8v is the voltage with the load on. Not a resting voltage.
You haven't indicated how you're charging the battery. Are you % certain that the battery is getting fully charged?My inverter has a built in charge controller. I charge it with 30 amps of current. 14.6 bulk and 13.5 float.
I'm sure it is full because the voltage is around 12.8v when the sun goes down. That may not be enough but I'm quite new to this and maybe you can tell me if I'm wrong.
I applied a 10 amp load for 3:15 hours and the voltage dropped gradually to 11.1v. Now it has been resting for 3 hours and I am measuring 12v
I thought I included the datasheet in the original post but here it is.
Thank you for your time!
Attachments
The point is, my battery's voltage drop Is higher even with less current and bigger capacity.This is the only battery you have?
I never got the battery below 70% of its capacity. How am I using it aggressively?
The 10.8v is the voltage with the load on. Not a resting voltage.
10.8V under load might be aggressive. What discharge rate? As discharge rate increases, the available capacity decreases with lead acid. With a 20 hour rate, the capacity is 200Ah. 10 hour rate is 168Ah, 5 hour rate is 140Ah. What this means is just because a battery is rated at 200Ah, if the discharge rate is at the 5 hour rate, then it is rated at 140Ah.
You really should invest in a shunt and only discharge to 50%. You can use resting voltage but that means you need to cut the loads. 12.2V is 50% discharge.
My inverter has a built in charge controller. I charge it with 30 amps of current. 14.6 bulk and 13.5 float.
What are you using for absorption charge? You need to hold 14.6V for some time as charging amps drop.
Your charge rate at 30A is well above the spec sheet bulk charge of 20A and absorption at 10A. High charge rates will cause excessive heat damaging both the plates and possibly electrolyte if battery is sealed and water can not be added. While you might think 30A is fine, it is higher than manufacturer charge rate plus high charge C rates will affect absorption charge and battery capacity.
I'm sure it is full because the voltage is around 12.8v when the sun goes down. That may not be enough but I'm quite new to this and maybe you can tell me if I'm wrong.Using solar to charge any lead acid battery can be very tricky as absorption charge may not be completed before discharging occurs. Over time, this will lead to excessive sulfation of the plates resulting in lower battery capacity and lower battery lifespan.
I always recommend a split bank/battery system with lead acid on solar where one half of a bank is fully charged thru absorption charge while the other battery is used for loads. Once the absorption charge is completed, then switch loads to the fully charged half of the battery bank and begin charging the other half. This ensures full absorption charge is reached on a regular basis so short term sulfation is reversed before it causes reduced battery capacity and lifespan. If full absorption charge can not be completed in a day before the sun goes down, then you will probably need to add more battery bank capacity in order to power loads off the battery with the loads overnight. Using the battery before absorption completes can result in hard sulfation and the result is reduced battery capacity and lifespan.
I applied a 10 amp load for 3:15 hours and the voltage dropped gradually to 11.1v. Now it has been resting for 3 hours and I am measuring 12v
Then it is discharged more than 50% as 12.2V would be 50% charge.
Looking at the spec sheet, a 10A load would be 120W and duration should be about 15 hours. (go look at Constant Power Discharge Performance chart).
That is if discharge started at 100% SOC.
Buy a shunt. Fully charge the battery. Ensure battery is at 27°C for 24 hours. Apply a 10A load which is the C20 rate. Run discharge to 10.5V under load. It should run 20 hours. Basically C rate is computed by Ah rating divided by 20 (hours) = discharge rate
You will find lead acid will require a learning curve on your part. It may also be the damage done to your battery is irreversible. Chalk that up to an educational experience. If you want to use lead acid, be prepared to educate yourself on the do's and dont's.
The point is, my battery's voltage drop Is higher even with less current and bigger capacity.
I never got the battery below 70% of its capacity. How am I using it aggressively?
The 10.8v is the voltage with the load on. Not a resting voltage.
Cut off is 10.5V loaded at a C20 rate.
My inverter has a built in charge controller. I charge it with 30 amps of current. 14.6 bulk and 13.5 float.
30A exceeds the battery rating. It's rated for 20A.
Are you observing 14.6V AT the battery terminals and a tail current of 10A?
I'm sure it is full because the voltage is around 12.8v when the sun goes down. That may not be enough but I'm quite new to this and maybe you can tell me if I'm wrong.
AGM tend to be around 13.0V.
I applied a 10 amp load for 3:15 hours and the voltage dropped gradually to 11.1v. Now it has been resting for 3 hours and I am measuring 12v
Total swag would put the SoC around 40%
How are you measuring voltage and current?
This is the only battery you have?
I do have another battery but It is quite old and damaged and is not connected to the system.
10.8V under load might be aggressive. What discharge rate? As discharge rate increases, the available capacity decreases with lead acid. With a 20 hour rate, the capacity is 200Ah. 10 hour rate is 168Ah, 5 hour rate is 140Ah. What this means is just because a battery is rated at 200Ah, if the discharge rate is at the 5 hour rate, then it is rated at 140Ah.
I never discharge it with higher than 10 amps. Typically less than 5.
What are you using for absorption charge? You need to hold 14.6V for some time as charging amps drop.
Your charge rate at 30A is well above the spec sheet bulk charge of 20A and absorption at 10A. High charge rates will cause excessive heat damaging both the plates and possibly electrolyte if battery is sealed and water can not be added. While you might think 30A is fine, it is higher than manufacturer charge rate plus high charge C rates will affect absorption charge and battery capacity.
This is the charging curve of my inverter/charge controller.
I know 30 amps is above the recommended charging current. But this is what my company set it to. And is it really enought to justify the state of the battery? Also it has been like I described from day one before xhatging it many times with this current.
Can I use 12V 200Ah battery with W inverter and ...
For many outdoor enthusiasts, RV users or emergency power supply users, inverters and batteries are key equipment to ensure a stable power supply. Choosing the right battery capacity and inverter power can not only improve power supply efficiency, but also extend the use time of the equipment. When using a 12V 200Ah battery with a W power inverter, many people will have questions: Is this combination suitable? Is the power consumption large? This article will start from these issues and analyze the relevant technical principles and practical application scenarios in detail to help you make a wise choice.
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1. Is the 12V 200Ah battery compatible with a W power inverter?
When discussing the compatibility of batteries and inverters, you need to focus on two key factors: the capacity of the battery and the power output of the inverter. Understanding how these factors interact can help you determine whether this system can meet your needs.
Theoretical calculation and practical application
We can first understand the theoretical running time of this configuration through calculation. The capacity of a 12V 200Ah battery is:
12V×200Ah=Wh
This means that when the battery is fully charged, it can theoretically provide watt-hours of electricity. If you use a W power inverter, the operating time of this system is approximately:
Wh÷W=2.4 hours
That is, if the W power inverter is working at full load, the battery can continue to supply power for about 2.4 hours. Of course, this is only a theoretical calculation. In actual use, factors such as the conversion efficiency of the inverter, power fluctuations of the equipment, and battery aging must also be considered. Usually the conversion efficiency of the inverter is between 85%-95%, so the actual available time may be slightly lower than the theoretical calculation value.
Considerations for meeting actual use needs
If you need to power multiple devices during outdoor activities, such as running lighting fixtures, refrigerators, and small appliances at the same time, then this configuration can meet most needs. The 12V 200Ah battery capacity is sufficient for regular RV camping, appliance charging, or short-term emergency power supply.
In addition, this configuration also performs well in home emergency scenarios. When the power goes out, you can use the inverter to power lighting, mobile chargers, fans, and other small devices. Considering that W power inverters usually do not work at full capacity continuously, the actual battery life may be longer.
It should be noted that if you plan to use this system in the wild or remote areas for a long time, it is recommended to consider having additional batteries or solar charging equipment to keep the system running continuously under long-term power demand.
2. Is the power consumption of using a 12V 200Ah battery with a -watt power inverter high?
Understanding power consumption involves multiple aspects, including device power consumption, system efficiency, and usage habits. Understanding these factors can help you better manage power resources and avoid unnecessary power waste.
Power consumption calculation and energy management
When discussing power consumption, we can start with the power requirements of the inverter itself. A W power inverter consumes watt-hours (1 kWh) per hour when operating at full load, which is equivalent to the power consumption of a small appliance in an average household. For example, the power required to run a W power inverter for one hour is equivalent to running a W electric kettle.
If you use a 12V 200Ah battery, the total power provided by the battery is Wh when fully charged. Assuming that the inverter continuously runs a load of W, the battery can last for about 2.4 hours. But in actual use, the inverter usually does not run at maximum power all the time, and most of the time its load will vary. For example, if only some low-power devices such as LED lights and mobile chargers are running, the actual load of the inverter may be much lower than W, so the battery life will be extended accordingly.
Factors affecting power consumption
In addition to power demand, there are several factors that affect the overall power consumption of the system:
Inverter efficiency: The conversion efficiency of the inverter directly affects the consumption of battery power. Generally speaking, the conversion efficiency of the inverter is between 85% and 95%. If the conversion efficiency is low, more electricity will be converted into heat and wasted. Therefore, choosing a high-efficiency inverter is very important to reduce the overall power consumption.
Standby power consumption: The inverter consumes a small amount of electricity even when there is no load. High-quality inverters have low power consumption in standby mode, usually between a few watts and more than ten watts, but if they are idle for a long time without being turned off, they will still accumulate significant power consumption.
Battery self-discharge and maintenance: Lead-acid batteries and other batteries will gradually self-discharge when not used for a long time, which is also a power consumption factor that needs to be considered. Keeping the battery well maintained and charging it regularly can effectively extend the battery life and reduce unnecessary power waste.
Additional reading:The Ultimate Buyer's Guide for Purchasing automatic street lighting system
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Usage habits: Reasonable planning of power demand and trying to avoid turning on multiple high-power devices at the same time during peak hours are effective means to reduce power consumption. For example, using only necessary lighting and low-power devices at night can significantly extend the battery life.
How to optimize the power consumption performance of the system?
If you want to maximize battery life with the existing configuration, you can consider the following points:
Choose efficient equipment: Try to use appliances with high energy efficiency ratings and avoid using old equipment that consumes a lot of power. Efficient LED lamps, energy-saving appliances, etc. can significantly reduce the load.
Reasonably configure battery capacity: If you plan to use the W power inverter for a long time, it is recommended to increase the battery capacity or use multiple batteries in parallel to improve the overall endurance of the system. Combining solar charging devices or wind power generation equipment is also a good choice.
Reduce unnecessary loads: Turn off unused equipment in time, especially when the load demand is high, and focus on giving priority to important equipment to avoid unnecessary power waste.
3. What scenarios are suitable for this configuration? How to maximize the use of 12V 200Ah battery and watt power inverter?
Although the combination of 12V 200Ah battery and W power inverter is suitable for many scenarios, the application performance in different scenarios varies according to actual usage needs. Understanding these scenarios can help you better plan power usage and equipment configuration.
RV and camping scenarios
This configuration is very common in RV travel or camping activities. RVs usually need to power lighting, refrigerators, chargers, TVs and other equipment at the same time, and a W RV inverter can meet these needs. The capacity of a 12V 200Ah battery is enough to support the basic power needs of one night, and it can ensure that RV users have sufficient power supply even without external power supply.
In order to extend the battery life, many RV users will be equipped with solar charging panels. During the daytime driving or in sunny camping sites, they can use solar energy to replenish the battery power, thereby greatly improving the overall endurance.
Home emergency backup power supply
In the event of a power outage, this configuration can also be used as a home emergency power supply. The inverter can provide power for basic household equipment such as lighting, fans, and mobile chargers to ensure the basic needs of daily life. In the case of a short power outage, this configuration is fully capable of coping with emergencies.
In order to ensure that the system is available at any time in an emergency, it is recommended to check the battery power regularly to avoid affecting its performance due to long-term idleness of the battery. In addition, it is recommended to flexibly adjust the configuration of the battery and inverter according to the needs of the family, such as adding a backup battery or choosing a higher-power inverter.
Industrial and agricultural applications
In some small industrial or agricultural scenarios, the combination of a 12V 200Ah battery and a W power inverter is also applicable. For example, in agricultural irrigation, the inverter can drive a small water pump to provide temporary water supply for farmland. For small tools or equipment that require mobile power supply, this portable power solution is both flexible and efficient.
In industrial scenarios, this configuration is mostly used in equipment commissioning, emergency maintenance and other occasions. As a portable power system, it can provide temporary power support in places where there is no main power supply.
Conclusion
Using a 12V 200Ah battery with a W power inverter is a reliable and widely used configuration that can meet the power supply needs in a variety of scenarios, especially in outdoor activities, RV travel, home emergency backup and small industrial applications. By properly managing power resources and optimizing equipment configuration, you can maximize the potential of this system and ensure stable and reliable power support in all kinds of environments.
When traveling or camping outdoors, this system can not only provide power for basic household appliances, but can also be combined with solar charging equipment to achieve a more sustainable power supply. In a home emergency, it can provide enough power in a short period of time to ensure basic living needs. At the same time, in the industrial and agricultural fields, it provides a flexible power supply solution for mobile devices and small tools, meeting the temporary power supply needs in different application scenarios.
In the future, with the continuous advancement of battery technology and inverter technology, similar configurations will become more efficient, intelligent and environmentally friendly. Users can continuously adjust and upgrade the system according to their needs to obtain the best user experience.
In short, the combination of 12V 200Ah battery and W power inverter is not only stable in power, but also has strong scalability and adaptability. Whether it is daily use or emergency power supply, this configuration can provide users with a convenient and safe power solution. Through scientific power management and reasonable equipment maintenance, you can ensure that this system continues to operate efficiently in various complex environments.
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