Is it OK to use a combo of flooded, AGM, or Gel batteries in the same bank? What combos are acceptable and what setting should you use with each?
912505
No, we don't recommend mixing between Flooded, AGM or Gel batteries, they all have different chemistry, which means they have different voltage profiles.
912506
...good question. I've been in the battery business for almost 20 years and run an engineering consulting business focused solely on batteries. A good rule of thumb is never mix battery types, and also match your date codes. The goal is to have the batteries age at the same rate, so they contribute to your load equally over time. Also expose all the batteries to the same temperature, so thermal gradients don't develop, and cause long-term imbalances due to the hotter batteries aging at a faster rate. If you mix AGM and Gel, they will age at different rates and their internal impedance varies initially and even more as the batteries age. This aging is accelerated because each battery won't be charged correctly since each type requires a different charge profile. The batteries with the lower internal impedance (AGM) will take the burden of the load and tax them causing shorter cycle life...
912507
A very bad idea. You *could* do it if you insisted, but it's just a really bad idea. Here's why: Flooded, AGM and Gel batteries each have *different* charging requirements. So solar charge controllers have built into them 3 different charging algorithms, one for each type of battery. If you have two or more different types of batteries combined in the same bank, the controller can only use one of the three charging programs to charge them all -- and that means that some of the batteries in the bank would not be charged at the proper current rate, resulting in less-than-optimal charging from some batteries in the bank at best -- and/or damage to some of the batteries at worst. A very bad idea. You *could* do it if you insisted, but it's just a really bad idea. Here's why: Flooded, AGM and Gel batteries each have *different* charging requirements. So solar charge controllers have built into them 3 different charging algorithms, one for each type of battery. If you have two or more different types of batteries combined in the same bank, the controller can only use one of the three charging programs to charge them all -- and that means that some of the batteries in the bank would not be charged at the proper current rate, resulting in less-than-optimal charging from... » Read More A very bad idea. You *could* do it if you insisted, but it's just a really bad idea. Here's why: Flooded, AGM and Gel batteries each have *different* charging requirements. So solar charge controllers have built into them 3 different charging algorithms, one for each type of battery. If you have two or more different types of batteries combined in the same bank, the controller can only use one of the three charging programs to charge them all -- and that means that some of the batteries in the bank would not be charged at the proper current rate, resulting in less-than-optimal charging from some batteries in the bank at best -- and/or damage to some of the batteries at worst. « Show Less
1847629
Keep the extra batteries clean, dry and fully charged. Also, rotate the batteries for use. Why have three if you only use one. Not sure if not using them causes issues, but it can not hurt to rotate their use. Best of luck. Alan
1233960
Courtesy of www.BatteryStuff.com "AGM: Typical absorption voltage range 14.4 to 15.0 volts, typical float voltage range 13.2 to 13.8 volts. So no prob., however beware if charging a GEL GEL: Typical absorption voltage range 14.0 to 14.2 volts, typical float voltage range 13.1 to 13.3 volts."
1018653
most newer chargers have a setting for the agm gel type batteries, you want to use no more than a 12 to 15 amp preferably a 2 amp charger, kind of like a deep cycle battery less amps for longer time.. But when my charger was on the agm/gel battery settings it was showing 12 to 15 amps most of the time.. Good luck if you get one.
1793955
Check the manual, or consult with battery manufacturer. Lithium batteries take on a charge differently than Flooded, Gel and AGM's. If the controller does a monthly equalization (15 volts or higher) it may be too much for lithium batteries.
1028807
ALWAYS use matching batteries. Same voltage/amperage. Don't mix old with new.The lesser batteries will drain the better batteries, causing premature failure.
1487938
I haven't used it with an AGM battery, but in my experience the charge topping off followed by float charging sounds perfectly normal. I don't know what the tripping sound is. Maybe I just haven't heard it?
737036
No, not in my opinion. This unit will recondition and charge a very low AGM battery while most charger won't. Optima also offers a smaller trickle unit that will insure your AGM stays healthy assuming your AGM is in a vehicle that sits more than it's driven - or boat...
448600
Yep they will work with AGM's, I don't have a boat, so I can't answer that part, but as far as the batteries go this is a great charger for them. I would say as long as the battery bank is in a dry area you should be good to go.
2139833
I while doing some research on the subject, I read that you should do all the batteries, assuming they are the same age.Hope this helps. I also read that you can make your own solution, using distilled water and epson salts.
236997
Yes. The two batteries are charged and controlled completely independently. One could be a flood and one could be a gel. Great product.
837372
Don't take this answer to the bank, but I bought the Gen 2 because it is designed to charge and maintain my TWO batteries. I believe the Gen 3 is designed to handle a THREE battery marine bank.
1606171
The PD website doesn't indicate one way or the other. I wouldn't hesitate to use it with AGM batteries. AGM batteries are a waste of money for RVs unless you are doing serious off roading and need the vibration resistance or ability to mount at any angle. Otherwise a good quality deep cycle battery is a much better choice.
1786012
My friend has the same system that you do. He is the one that recommended the Imedion AA NiMH 2400 to me as I was looking for a high capacity LSD battery. He is very satisfied with the performance of these batteries as am I. These batteries actually hold 150 - 200 mAH more than their rated capacity so this could require a proportionally longer charge time due to this. I would imagine you would want to use these batteries as a group and not mix them with the Goal Zero AA batteries.
1785932
Dave I have a lowarance fish finder and I use this little battery all day without a major drop in its charge!! I use a couple of alligator clips like those used on a circuit tester, they do not get over heated and I do not use any type fuses. You can probably check the manuals on your equipment to see what size fuse, maybe a fuse say 10 amps should be just fine. I have charged and re-charged this little battery many times and still performs perfect. butch
1437920
Yes, it is a good choice. Make sure you have a battery combiner between your two batteries so one does not drain into the other, but both get charged. This battery is a deep cycle battery, meaning it can be drained flat and not damaged. www.westmarine.com has the battery combiner.
1020773
You can find more info on: http://www.batterystuff.com/kb/articles/battery-articles/gel-vs-agm.html