I just finished reading "Bloomberg Business week" most recent issue on "2020". The biggest challenge for the electrical industry is batteries. California is mandating all houses built after Jan 1 2020 have elements of solar roofs. Currently there are times when the electrical utilities have surplus power, and they have to cut off the solar homes from usage. If we had reliable, cheap and compact batteries, plus reliable and inexpensive inverters this would help to solve that problem.
Micahbigsur@msn.com":13hneemj said:
Hi Bob, I had to give up the Lifeline glass mats that I have preferred because of the Suzuki's warranty policy. I don't much like having to add water and am adding a watering system.
So what would the bottom line be for adding a safe 220-250 AH house bank (I have 220 now) in size, weight and cost. My size limit is 9" h x22" d x 18" w. I know you like yours can they take the higher consistent charge voltage of a Suzuki?
I thought cost was still prohibitive, and I have already broken the bank on my CD upgrade. (literally everything on the boat).
Maybe next summer's project?
Thanks!
There are really two issues here: one is the use of AGM batteries on any outboard powered boat. Both Yamaha and Suzuki have had warnings about not using AGM batteries for a number of years. Despite that, many (including myself) have used AGM batteries with no problems. I just again re-read Suzuki's Waranty and I didn't see battery type mentioned. The recommendation in the manual is:
*Dual-purpose (Cranking/Deep-cycle) batteries can be used if they meet the minimum specifications listed above (MCA, CCA, or RC).
*Do not use a Deep Cycle battery for the main cranking battery.
*The use of Maintenance-Free, sealed, or Gel-Cell batteries is not recommended because they may not be compatible with Suzuki's charging system.
There is an easy way around this--and that is to use the Sterling/ProNautic Battery to Battery charger, which has a profile for almost any battery, including LI ion. I am taking my LiFePO4 charging off the engine start battery using the Sterling 30 amp battery to battery, off the engine start battery, to charge the LiFePO4 batteries.
The question of "bottom line to get Li battery of 220 to 250 amp hours capacity". You can find 100 amp hour (usable 95 amp hour) batteries for as low as $700 each. But I would hesitate to buy them, because you want assurance of the internal battery management system is robust and a track record of safety and endurance from the battery manufacturer. The ones I bought you can probably get for $925 each if you buy 3. Although they battery is rated.at 100 amp hours--it is really practically good for 90 to 95 amp hours. At 5% state of charge the battery voltage will be 11.4 volts--and you don't ever want to go lower than that. At 10% state charge the voltage will be 12.0 V under light load, and 12.4V under steady state rest.
So to have usable 250 amp battery bank, I would suggest three 100 amp batteries. and the cost would be in the $2700 range for the batteries alone. Add in fuse block, wiring, and you would be in the $3000 category. The Battery to battery 60 charger will be: $400 (If you went with the 30 amp charger a $100 less). A 200 HP Suzuki has a 54 amp alternator, which puts out 38 amps at 1000 RPM, so you can use most of the 60 amps if you wish--the amount is user programable. Wire and circuit breakers for this will be another $100. If you want a 110 V battery charger, and you don't have one with a profile for LiFePO4, then a 60 amp ProMariner, ProNautic would be about $650. You can us a smaller charger. I started with a 10 amp Li charger for $120. I went with a Vectron 2000 watt PSW inverter which has a 80 amp charger, for about $1200. The 3000 watt inverter/120 amp charger is only about $100 more, but is much larger in size and almost twice the weight.
The batteries size are each about the same as a group 31 battery: 12.75" x 6.875" x 9" (L x W xH) So you should have no problem size wise--they can be put on the side or end. Weight is about 30# for each battery.
Total cost for usable 270 amps with two chargers and cables etc would be about:$4000. But that would allow you to have the use of 270 amp hours usable for every day for over 10 years. I find that our usable 180 amp hours is plenty for induction burner and microwave cooking plus running chest type refrigerator and freezers.
