|
As to getting more use from old batteries, there's not much wrong with making a 36 V pack out of 4 formerly 12V batteries, or some such. Do some testing to see just what you have available. You can even put two of the weakest ones in parallel if they are similar. Keep the weakest link in mind when using the pack. Chemical treatments and/or well-tailored pulses of high-rate charging can revitalize a sick lead-acid battery. Keep track of how much it takes to charge them, VS how much they put out, and baby them individually every few charges. The very latest wonder batteries are 98% efficient. You can compare yours to a healthy battery on your own set-up.
|