Electrical Project Part II
We uploaded part 2 of the electrical project. In this video we install the new breaker panel and briefly talk about upcoming projects.
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Electrical Project Part II
If you’d like, I have tape for my label maker that makes white text on a clear background. Let me know what text you need and the dimensions and I’ll make ’em for you…
bob
You asked what kind of batteries we have… We have 6 group 31 deep discharge batteries (115 aH each) in two banks. Neither bank is considered “engine starting” or “house”, but while at anchor we keep them separated so that if we run one bank flat, we’ll still have one (same thinking goes for our water tanks and our fuel tanks – we keep them separate). We also have a regular car battery (fast discharge) which we use for both generator starting and to power the windlass. We keep it combined with the other six when there is charging current, and separate when not. Last resort: start the generator and use it to charge the main batteries.
bob
s/v Eolian
Hey Bob, thanks again for checking out our website, and thanks for letting us know what battery system you’re running. From what I’ve seen, no single way is optimal for every boat, or for that matter every lifestyle. Considering that our bank of 3 Group 27s are on their last leg (they came used with the boat), and the fact that I’m finally getting into the meat-and-potatoes of re-wiring the entire electrical system, we currently have quite a bit of options. So far I’m very impressed with what I’ve read about the Firefly carbon/foam AGMs. Since they originally came from the heavy equipment construction industry, it seems like they can withstand a fair bit of neglect and abuse without compromising the charging and holding capacity. Not that we would intentionally abuse and neglect our battery banks, but it’s comforting to know they will tolerate deep discharges and partial recharges (which, seems to be the way the majority of “cruisers” treat their banks). And even then, I’ve read horror stories of sailors who feed and water, and even wrap their batteries in a warm blanket on a chilly night as if it were the family pet only to experience premature failure. We’ll keep everyone posted on how many we can cram into our battery compartment, and all the fun wiring that goes along with it. if you’re bored and want to do some reading, there’s some interesting articles and pages online to pass the time (I try not to make important decisions based on what I read on some internet forums):
http://www.practical-sailor.com/issues/37_53/features/Fighting-Sulfation-in-AGMs_11691-1.html
http://www.bruceschwab.com/advanced-energy-storage-systems/firefly-energys-oasis-group-31/