![Sealed Lead Acid [SLA] Battery](http://northcarolinacyclist.files.wordpress.com/2010/02/p1010021.jpg?w=244&h=146 "Sealed Lead Acid [SLA] Battery")
A battery’s storage capacity is frequently expressed in terms of amp-hours [Ah]. The larger the number, the larger the capacity—also the heavier the battery. If the concept of battery capacity, expressed as amp-hours is difficult to grasp, think of a battery as a lake. The larger the lake, the more it takes to see a significant change in its level. I am using an 18Ah Sealed Lead Acid [SLA] Battery. In addition, using battery chargers, I can also store the sun’s energy in other batteries. To the right of the battery in the photo above, you see a AA/AAA Ni-MH battery charger. During yesterday’s test, I charged 4 AA and 4 AAA batteries. At the end of the day, my 18Ah battery did not need additional charging to be topped off. I have been asked why SLA versus a lighter battery. Comment # 1 has the question and my reply.
A solar charging system can use a charge controller to keep the battery from being overcharged or being excessively drained. I have such a controller. Think of it as a dam on the lake where you can maintain water levels [amp-hours (charging)] through its controls. The solar controller uses electronic gates. My controller has the following features:
- Auto charge and cut-off power when 12V SLA battery is full or low
- Protect battery from being overcharged and over-discharged to increase battery service life
- LED display battery storage level
- Built in fuse to protect short circuit and wrong polarity connection
- Moisture proof design for outdoor use
Then, there are meters that allow me to view various levels. I am using 2 DOC Wattson Meters. One monitoring charging input [the solar panels] and the other, the battery. The meter measures 7 DC values:
- Amp-Hours: (0 – 6554)
- Kilo Watt-hours: (0 – 650)
- Amps: (0-100 peak)
- Watts: (0 – 6554)
- Peak Amps & minimum Voltage ("sags")
- Voltage: (0 – 60)
Although the sun’s energy is relatively free, I think I should use it responsibly. By that I mean, I should not consume power from the battery because I can easily charge the system [at no apparent cost] in my hotel/motel room. Doing so increases the carbon footprint and is less GREEN than being conservative. Please see my comment #2. As best I can, I want power to keep my lighting, navigation, and communications systems working. I’ll use mechanical power to maintain the iPhone 3GS charge. I’ll post about that system after I write about the output of the stored solar energy, likely tomorrow, Friday, 02/05.
My BROL Quad [Fargo] Setup Thread
In its simplest terms, this is what I will have rolling on 4 wheels as Mr. Giraldo and I cycle for Bar Harbor, Maine to Key West, Florida. Earlier today, I published an article on input from the solar panels–Photovoltaic [Fargo's Solar Power Input]. Here you see how that energy is stored. Next, we look at how I use that stored energy.
Thanks and I hope this is working for you.
Jim
From a BROL Member: Jim, why an SLA there are some good lower cost lithium batteries and chargers out there now, smaller, lighter and can deliver their rated capacities at higher discharge rates.
My reply: The short answer is my desire to run my DiNotte Lighting off solar power and their caution on Lithium related batteries. I was in consult with them for over a week. The long answer is here. A LiFePO4 Battery: 12.8V 20Ah from BatterySpac.com cost $250, plus shipping and weighs 7.4 lbs. My 18AH SLA weighs 11.8 lbs and cost $75. Had I purchased the LiFePo4 Battery, I would have paid $175 to save 4.4 lbs and perhaps exposed myself to greater risk. If I go the LiFePo4 route and damage my lights, DiNotte is not going to be there for me. They are currently evaluating 4 of my 400L lights for free. They are giving my cables and switches for “free.” For me the cost & risk are not worth it.
From Dinotte:”We’ll do this at no charge, — much happier to supply cables and make sure the lights will run on 12V as opposed to being asked to validate power sources, batteries, etc.”
This quote was after a couple weeks of dialog and sending my lights into them. It is my turn to do my part. [I'll shed 4.4 lbs.]
Plus, I’ll benefit from the experience. There are other factors detailed in my blog. I hope I have sufficiently answered your question. I like the challenge making what is not suppose to work–work.
I have really spent a LOT of time on this issue. I have many reports yet to write. My testing is very positive so far.
Thanks!
Jim
My comment to a BROL Member: WOW, back to you. THANKS! I’ll explain all the systems over the next several days. I’m hoping I’ll be able to covey the broader concepts. There is a lot to the “box.” Most important to me is its modularity/portability without a lot of accessories being toed to the cycle. Should, I have to go to my DiNotte batteries, I connect them inside the box–nothing to place on the quad. I can also charge them as I ride–relative to the energy being produced that day. When the sun goes down, one should want their batteries full, unless they are making a hotel/motel stop for the night. To me, on the electric side–could that be [like] cheating???
The BROL Member’s reply: Hmmm…not sure I understand what you’re asking, but here’s my take on what I *think* you asked. Cheating to stop at a motel at night when you need/want too? Naw. If you know you’re going to stop, and can use the motel’s electricity to charge things up, why not? On the way to the motel you could use up some of that stored power and turn up those speakers; have a party …let’em know you’re coming!! LOL. Save the juice for when you camp overnight.
My comment back: By cheating, I mean being as GREEN as I can. Managing my devices and resources in a manner that I only relay on the sun and mechanical energy I produce. If i just “plug-in” I take the challenge away. If I had several days of little to no sun, than I have decisions to make–reduce current requirements or “cheat.” I can go to a single DiNotte Light or none, depending on traffic. iPhone 3GS will be mechanical powered. My laptop will be a different consideration, yet may be manageable. I would never just blow my “juice.” I know you were kidding.
Actually little or no quad power at a camp site. I’d conserve for road travel where safety is paramount.
Anyway…
Jim
GOD willing I will hope to start back on upgrading Onyx before summer get’s here. I was thinking about a system like yours for Onyx. I want to be able to power the lights, horn, GPS, radio, cell, and laptop (netbook). Have you decided how to keep in touch while riding? Those cell phones do not seem to work to well. Andy
I look forward to seeing what you will do with Onyx. I trust you will find some of my work helpful. It is here for your research. The best…
Jim
On keeping in touch, I will use my iPhone, with its AT&T service. Since I’m on the east coast, there should not be a problem. Geraldo will have his phone. I may also use Skype.