Quote:
Originally Posted by California98Civic
Sorry that I missed this post and left you hanging. I concluded that i needed the higher amp charger for the sake of the battery longevity and function. My battery is rated about 40 amp hours and I got their 25 amp charger. As you learned, the theory is that you get throuh the bulk charging phase fast enough that there is lots of time fo the float charge. More time apparently means better battery condition long term. I have had this set up for maybe two years now without any problems. I drive a 11-14 mile comute each day, charging only at home, sometimes using the alt to extend range. Sometimes i charge at work (free) too. I never let the battery too-deeply discharge.
|
I think in the end I AM going to try to get a larger charger than my 10A one. It's rated 10A. but I have a suspicion that although it starts at 10A it quickly slows down to about 7A as it heats up (fanless waterproof model). Also, I think it's POSSIBLE that the higher amps actually help the Odyssey battery life in itself, quite apart from just reducing the time to charge 100%. (Helps to 'drive the charge into the battery' or something?)
In any case I found a 40A marine charger...
Pro Charge Ultra - Global PFC NEW*
...which has 3 outputs and which I can use for charging both my 'battery banks'. It has a fully adjustable output voltage AND current, so if I find any better information or change my set-up later on I can change the charge regime wihout having to change chargers. It even has a LiFePo4 setting. I haven't bought the charger yet - got to check I have space to install it somewhere, but it looks ideal.