Battery Options

[sunnybouy60]

Hi all, I have an active post but since this is a different topic I will
make it a new post to keep all of my questions in order

Can anyone tell me if there are advantages of using 6V series connections
over 12V ?

Also can you combine series and parallel connections with 6V batteries ?

Example:

4 Trojan T-105s Two of them connected in series pos to neg and pos to neg,
then connect the other two pos to neg and pos to neg so basically you have
two 12V batteries. Finally connect both sets neg to neg and pos to pos to
double the capacity. (Assuming I am correct in thinking you can do this?)

So my question is this... can this be done, and secondly is there an
advantage to this? Or would it be the same as doing a parallel connection
with two 12V batteries of equal storage capacity?

 

[Blue Cat]

Hi all, I have an active post but since this is a different topic I will
make it a new post to keep all of my questions in order

Can anyone tell me if there are advantages of using 6V series connections
over 12V ?

Many deep cycle batteries are rated 6 volts because the cells are so large.
This makes each battery easier to handle because of the weight. Other than
that, there is no advantage for using 6 volt series connections over 12
volts.

 

[Steve Spence]

Hi all, I have an active post but since this is a different topic I will
make it a new post to keep all of my questions in order

Can anyone tell me if there are advantages of using 6V series connections
over 12V ?

Also can you combine series and parallel connections with 6V batteries ?

Example:

4 Trojan T-105s Two of them connected in series pos to neg and pos to neg,
then connect the other two pos to neg and pos to neg so basically you have
two 12V batteries. Finally connect both sets neg to neg and pos to pos to
double the capacity. (Assuming I am correct in thinking you can do this?)

So my question is this... can this be done, and secondly is there an
advantage to this? Or would it be the same as doing a parallel connection
with two 12V batteries of equal storage capacity?

Typically, 12vdc batteries are not serious deep cycle batteries. Most of
your off-grid batteries are 6 volt batts. We have 6 T-105's, in a 2 x 3
arrangement, for 12vdc at 675 ah (8100 wh). Most folks will tell you not
to go over 4 parallel strings, but to replace your batteries with higher
capacity units like the L16's or bigger. If you out grow a 4 parallel, 2
series matrix (12v, 900ah = 10kWh), you might just want to upgrade to a
4 x 4 matrix (24vdc, 900ah = 21kWh). Remember to derate your pack by 50%
for "useable" power.

 

[Steve Spence]

Steve is right on. For your serious off grid you're going to want to go
with a super-duper 6 volt battery bank. If you're the hobbiest like me,
a parallel 12 volt bank will work. It depends on what you need not what
you want. If you need to yank a battery out of your bank to power a
trolling motor or start your tractor or car or lawn mower then 12 volts
is your ticket. If it's dedicated to the house, then go 6 volts. Me, I
have all the former, so I go with 12 volts and bite the bullet.


Max
http://www.northernmichigansolar.com

Wally World 12vdc deep cycle type 27's are a good play battery for
someone starting out. Don't deeply discharge them and you might get 3
years out of them. $55 for 115 ah.