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Topic: Help with batteries

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jodo2017

08/5/2018 at 6:51am
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I’m thinking of building my own portable power source with a 12v battery and a battery box.

I’m not sure what battery to buy though… It should be a deep cycle battery and mainly to run a Mobicool FR40, 14W-12v tent lamps and charge phones/tablets (averaging around 1.5-2A). I’m not planning on getting a solar panel just yet so the runtime needs to be a couple of days between recharges. I want to be able to run/discharge the battery for as long as possible without damaging the battery. Since I’ll be using it for camping a couple of weeks per year I would think that ~300 cycles (or more) is ok. . I’m thinking that I need around 100 Ah, but since 12v batteries only should be discharged to a certain level I’m not sure which the battery to choose.
How can I see what discharge levels are ok for a battery (e.g. if I want to check if I can use 80% of a battery capacity)

I’ve been looking at batteries and understand that some of the terms below are relevant, but I’m not sure in what way and what would fit my needs:
* AGM or GEL
* Deep cycle and/or leisure battery

richardh1905

08/5/2018 at 7:29am
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Before sizing a battery, you need to gain an understanding of your load. Make a list of all your equipment and write down the current consumption and estimated daily hours of use for each item. Then multiply the current by the hours, to get the ampere hours, total up the Ampere Hours and then finally multiply by the number of days that you want the battery to last. I would advise creating a spreadsheet.

I would also look at reducing your load wherever possible; this could be cheaper (AND LIGHTER) than going for a bigger battery. Are you using efficient LED lighting, for instance? Also, I would be a bit worried about your cooler; what is its current consumption (you may be able to make an estimate from the energy rating label).

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richardh1905

08/5/2018 at 7:35am
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From the energy rating label I calculate that your FR40 will consume 23.27 Ah of battery capacity in 24 hours. This will depend upon ambient temperature, and to a lesser extent, upon how often you are opening the box. In the south of France it could be a lot more!

I wouldn't worry too much about the phone charging; this is likely to be trivial compared to the cool box.

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richardh1905

08/5/2018 at 7:36am
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Regarding discharging the battery - fully discharging a lead acid battery and leaving it in a discharged state will permanently damage it. Youi should be OK at 80% discharge.

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blueexpo97

08/5/2018 at 7:44am
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Richard there is a post edit button for use up to two hours after posting.

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jodo2017

08/5/2018 at 11:04am
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Thanks richardh1905!

I have checked my equipment and will be using energy-efficient LED-lighting
I have already calculated that my equipment will consume 1.5-2A in average and this results in 35-48Ah per 24h. This is the reason why I have estimated my need of electrical charge to ~100Ah

Considering my actual need (~100Ah), what kind (AGM or GEL) of battery should I buy and what capacity (e.g. if I can discharge a battery to 80% without harming it I would need a 120Ah battery)

Lithium is way to expensive and out of the question.

Wolfman

via mobile 15/7/2019 at 8:38pm
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Is there any issue using an 85 instead of 110 battery.
My 110 is fried in my 620/6 but my 85 in smaller van is superb, seems to last and last
Although i do use smaller caravan several times a year for festival work,
Any help appreciated
Thxnks

Post last edited on 15/07/2019 22:17:12

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