alt.energy.homepower

wmbjkREMOVE@ wrote in
news:mhegr3ls2kfc97vlub6mjpbidva8glptc0@:

> On Sat, 16 Feb 2008 21:30:02 -0600, z wrote:
>
>>wmbjkREMOVE@ wrote in
>>news:hsuer3tsi0t9ljd2s8sq4sj4vv47t9kbm2@:
>>> No matter
>>> which battery you choose, if your budget allows then I'd recommend
>>> adding a proper battery monitor such as
>>> / . Here's a link to the
>>> user's manual /web/id/72/.
>>
>>I think the same function can be had via the xantrex c series charge
>>controller LCD monitor. I have a c35 that does equalization and other
>>nifty functions, and according to the lit the LCD display keeps track
>>of a number of charge/usage variables .. Thats one on the list of
>>things to get here pretty soon.
>>
>>
>>SO im thinking that LCD option on the charge controller should do
>>those same functions.. unless I'm totally out to lunch :)
>
> A proper battery monitor uses a shunt between the batteries and
> everything else, which allows accounting for all current in and out.
> Any charge controller's data capability is limited to the loads
> connected to it alone. For example, in most cases inverters are
> connected directly to the battery, so the charge controller has no way
> to see that power consumption. Even if all your loads are connected to
> the C35, its metering and calculation functionality is extremely
> limited compared to a Link 10. On the other hand, a charge controller
> can break out the contribution of the source it's controlling, which
> is nice, especially if you have multiple sources. But I'd consider the
> battery monitor mandatory and the charging data optional. Two common
> scenarios with new setups - operator underutilizes the system because
> he's afraid of using too much, and operator is living with chronic
> undercharge that he has no practical way of recognizing, and therefore
> fails to make use of his backup source. A battery monitor will go a
> long way to preventing both problems.
>
> Wayne
>

I see. thats good information. I'll have to add that to my list of
stuff to get -- but after I get the whole system setup right.

Once I'm charging the new set of batteries and have transitioned to that
power system from the old one i'll want to have a better idea of whats
going on with the batteries.

But till then its all about making the power and storing the power :)

thanks Wayne