T&T: 4D Battery Bank

[Robin Brueckner]

The correct way to size your batterry bank(s) is to determine both the engine
manufacturer recommended  size for maximum power/amperage for starting
requirements and also your amp hours of use between charges to determine the
"deep cycle" requirements.

In general, a larger battery bank is better; it helps reduce strain on the
batteries. Deep discharges, say more than 50%, are to be avoided since they
shorten battery life. The major downside to having a bigger battery bank than
required is extra cost,space and weight. Say your daily amp hour requirement
is 150 amp hours; you'd want a battery bank about three or four times (about
450 to 600  amp hours) this capacity so that you don't discharge the batteries
too deeply between recharging. Generally, deep cycle batteries have the
ability to provide sufficient power for starting.

Combining start and house capacity in a single large bank is ok if you are
willing to risk the possible loss of start capability due to a dead or weak
bank. You'd likely want a monitoring device. If a frig door gets left open and
the frig runs steadily draining your power...or a 12 volt device malfunctions
and draws steady current, you could have trouble.

Having separate banks of different age virtually guarantees you'll not lose
all power at any one time. If you have a portable, hand start emergency genny,
that means you'll likely be able to get going again, but maybe not immediately
should an emergency arise.

Rob Brueckner1972 Hatteras YF
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