Batteries gurgling ?

[stovepipe]

I have a temporary electrical system running while I refit my boat, just two 6v Trojan batteries coupled to a 120 w solar, and a cheap controller, there is a sound like a hungry stomach coming off the batteries sometimes, the controller states 14.0 volts, 2.8 amps today, which is bright but overcast. I only charge my tablet, phone, and run one led lamp, and a radio off it. Could I be "boiling" the batteries with just one solar panel ?

[WotEver]

At 2.8A they're approaching fully charged. Have you checked the electrolyte levels?

[The Bagdad Boatman (waits)]

I would put in a shunt to bleed off overcharging. The one I used would light up in strong winds with a wind generator.

[ditchcrawler]

I would put in a shunt to bleed off overcharging. The one I used would light up in strong winds with a wind generator.

With a controller on solar panels there is no need for a shunt, it just controls the charging voltage. The wind genny is like a cheap alternator with no regulator so it just keeps pumping it out so you have to do something with it, warm up a shunt.

[Dave Payne]

The words 'cheap controller' in the OP's post make me think it is not doing what decent controllers do when the batteries bellies are full?

[ditchcrawler]

The words 'cheap controller' in the OP's post make me think it is not doing what decent controllers do when the batteries bellies are full?

Thats possible

[stovepipe]

How do you tell if they are being overcharged ?

[bizzard]

Gurgling? They could be baby batteries. If so tickle them under the chin or stick a dummy in their mouths and the gurgling should cease.

[ditchcrawler]

What voltage are they when the sun is shining and you haven't used them much

[cuthound]

How do you tell if they are being overcharged ?

Vigorous gassing and a float voltage over 2.25 volts per cell.

[Jrtm]

Gurgling? They could be baby batteries. If so tickle them under the chin or stick a dummy in their mouths and the gurgling should cease.

No no no no no a bottle of brandy or rum is what you need!