Author Topic: Using different types of batteries in a battery bank  (Read 2450 times)

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THDLink

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Using different types of batteries in a battery bank
« on: January 14, 2015, 09:04:47 PM »
Question: Could I use different types of batteries together in parallel?
Example: 12 volt marine battery in parallel with (two 6 volt deep cycle batteries in series)
"We're going to need more batteries"

joestue

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Re: Using different types of batteries in a battery bank
« Reply #1 on: January 15, 2015, 12:55:15 AM »
if you can add water to both batteries it will work, but mixing agm and flooded probably will not work. you won't be able to equalize the flooded cells without losing water from the sealed ones.

oh and.. you might want to check that the acid concentration is the same for both. significant differences will result in the higher concentration ratio working harder. the lower will lose more water.
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THDLink

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Re: Using different types of batteries in a battery bank
« Reply #2 on: January 15, 2015, 10:36:14 PM »
Right... equalization. Didn't think about that part. Looks like I have to use them separately in different systems. Maybe sell/donate the marine to a friend with a small 15 watt solar system. Good news I can get a 6 volt 225Ahr flooded deep cycle for 113 bucks before core charge locally.
"We're going to need more batteries"

joestue

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Re: Using different types of batteries in a battery bank
« Reply #3 on: January 16, 2015, 01:33:13 AM »
at 11 watt hours per dollar that is a lot cheaper than sealed cells and they will last longer.
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Flux

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Re: Using different types of batteries in a battery bank
« Reply #4 on: January 16, 2015, 03:34:33 AM »
If you use flooded cells it will work. It will work much better if the plate technology is the same, mixing calcium ( low maintenance ) with antimony ( traction)  will not be a long term success. Many things are not advisable but if you have them it could be worth a try.

Flux

THDLink

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Re: Using different types of batteries in a battery bank
« Reply #5 on: January 16, 2015, 07:47:13 AM »
How do you figure? I'm getting 23 watt hours per dollar. Flux, I will have to look into these maintenence types.

I'm reading these batteries last 2-7 years is this true?
Is there a plate thickness rating or can you tell by c20 ahr rating and maintainance type? Does it matter?
"We're going to need more batteries"

joestue

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Re: Using different types of batteries in a battery bank
« Reply #6 on: January 16, 2015, 04:14:46 PM »
6 volts times 225 amp hours.. is 1350watt hours, divide by $113...

realistically you can only use these figures as a comparison, you would never discharge the battery to zero.
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THDLink

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Re: Using different types of batteries in a battery bank
« Reply #7 on: January 16, 2015, 05:50:31 PM »
6 not 12 volts .duh my bad
"We're going to need more batteries"