stovepipe Posted September 18, 2016 Report Share Posted September 18, 2016 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 ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WotEver Posted September 18, 2016 Report Share Posted September 18, 2016 At 2.8A they're approaching fully charged. Have you checked the electrolyte levels? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Bagdad Boatman (waits) Posted September 18, 2016 Report Share Posted September 18, 2016 I would put in a shunt to bleed off overcharging. The one I used would light up in strong winds with a wind generator. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ditchcrawler Posted September 18, 2016 Report Share Posted September 18, 2016 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Payne Posted September 18, 2016 Report Share Posted September 18, 2016 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? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ditchcrawler Posted September 18, 2016 Report Share Posted September 18, 2016 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stovepipe Posted September 18, 2016 Author Report Share Posted September 18, 2016 How do you tell if they are being overcharged ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bizzard Posted September 18, 2016 Report Share Posted September 18, 2016 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ditchcrawler Posted September 18, 2016 Report Share Posted September 18, 2016 What voltage are they when the sun is shining and you haven't used them much Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cuthound Posted September 19, 2016 Report Share Posted September 19, 2016 How do you tell if they are being overcharged ? Vigorous gassing and a float voltage over 2.25 volts per cell. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jrtm Posted September 19, 2016 Report Share Posted September 19, 2016 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! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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