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02-03-2012, 01:16 PM | #1 |
Card Carrying Old Fart
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Kentucky
Posts: 706
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How Much Do Batteries Discharge While Not Being Used
I am considering an electric cart for transportation at a marina where I dock my houseboat. The cart parking area does not have any electrical outlets. What I would do is drive the cart to my boat and charge it from an outlet on the dock while parked in front of my boat. When I leave on Sunday mornings the cart would have a full charge and drive about 900 feet to my car. The cart would then be stored in the parking lot with no electricity until next trip which might be one or even several weeks.
My basic question is how much do batteries discharge over time. I would hate to pull up to the cart and find it dead and have to get it pushed or towed to get to the charger. Any input would be appreciated. Rick |
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02-03-2012, 01:42 PM | #2 |
Gone Wild
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Bunnell, Florida
Posts: 2,408
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Re: How Much Do Batteries Discharge While Not Being Used
What you're proposing will not be good at all for the batteries! They will sit partially discharged, which is a no no for cart batteries. There is a chart for loss of charge over time, and I'll try and find it for you. Rule of thumb on carts is once used, charge afterwards.
Additional info: According to Trojan Battery, self discharge is 4% per week at 70°F. |
02-03-2012, 02:23 PM | #3 |
Stay thirsty my friends!
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Suburban Chicago
Posts: 24,283
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Re: How Much Do Batteries Discharge While Not Being Used
I disagree, 900 ft is NOTHING to the battery pack. As long as the terminals are kept corrosion free and the battery cases themselves are kept clean and dry, your usage schedule will be fine. If left for longer than a month the pack should be charged ASAP after driving to the boat.
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02-03-2012, 04:23 PM | #4 |
Card Carrying Old Fart
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Kentucky
Posts: 706
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Re: How Much Do Batteries Discharge While Not Being Used
Would some type of solar charger help keep the batts topped off?
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02-03-2012, 07:19 PM | #5 |
Gone Crazy
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Sweet Home Alabama
Posts: 432
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Re: How Much Do Batteries Discharge While Not Being Used
Yes it would. problem solved perfect!
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02-04-2012, 09:09 AM | #6 | |
Card Carrying Old Fart
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Kentucky
Posts: 706
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Re: How Much Do Batteries Discharge While Not Being Used
Quote:
So, if I let the cart sit for 4 weeks it would discharge 16% which would leave 84% capacity. What is the lowest capacity that you never want to go below? |
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02-04-2012, 10:47 AM | #7 | |
Techno-Nerd
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: West Virginia
Posts: 19,654
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Re: How Much Do Batteries Discharge While Not Being Used
Quote:
I'd measure the voltage with a DVM a battery cable before letting it set and again before charging to verify self-discharge rate. Also, I'd disconnect the battery to eliminate any parasitic discharge. Here is the Trojan User's Guide. Storage info is on Page-11 |
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02-04-2012, 11:05 AM | #8 | |
Gone Wild
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Bunnell, Florida
Posts: 2,408
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Re: How Much Do Batteries Discharge While Not Being Used
Quote:
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02-04-2012, 11:15 AM | #9 |
Gone Wild
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Reddick IL
Posts: 11,217
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Re: How Much Do Batteries Discharge While Not Being Used
The electrolyte can't circulate and the chemical reaction gets hot and can explode.
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02-04-2012, 11:39 AM | #10 | |
Techno-Nerd
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: West Virginia
Posts: 19,654
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Re: How Much Do Batteries Discharge While Not Being Used
Quote:
Water expands when it freezes, so the case is probably cracked and the battery will leak nasty stuff when it thaws. The SG won't be very high, or it wouldn't have frozen, but it is still acidic enough to damage concrete, not to mention skin and clothing. Also, the expansion could have caused the plates to move and you might damage the charger if they are touching. Even if the battery didn't explode or leak or kill the charger, it probably would be much of a battery anymore. |
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