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Battery charger settings

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Richard M View Drop Down
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    Posted: 28 October 2014 at 18:12
Hello
 
I think I may have a problem with my battery charger. It is the Sterling 1250 CED.
 
I suspect that it is overcharging on the float cycle. I had to replace my engine battery last month with a new Varta 110AH battery as it had gassed dry. (Previously it had performed faultlessly, altho' to be fair it was the 2007 original ). The battery levels are checked reasonably frequently - and I think that the gassing probably occurred over the summer. 
 
The charger has been installed upside down (I don't think this matters) and I don't think it has an on-off switch so I plan to install one. At least the charger won't be on permanently when I'm on shore power.
 
Typical battery readings are as follows: 

14/10/14

13:00 – off charge batteries all around 12.78V.

13:01 Charger switched on – top red led on (boost phase) – Engine 14.32V, service banks 14.31V.  Charger output terminals – top 14.3V, middle 14.3V, bottom 14.33V

13:30 top red & yellows led’s illuminated (absorption phase) – Engine 14.32V, service banks 14.30V.

15:30 top yellow led only illuminated – engine 14.31V, service banks 14.29V.

 

15/10/14

10:00 – top green led illuminated (float / maintenance charge) – engine 13.72V, service banks 13.74V. Voltages at charger output terminals identical to above.

I'm no expert here; the manufacturer advises that these are normal outputs and that the particular unit cannot be adjusted to give a lower float charge. I had understood that anything above 13.5V will cause gassing.
 
As ever any observations gratefully received.
 
Incidentally, I sailed Providence around the British Isles (&" over the top") this summer. A wonderful experience; the Hanse impressed everyone who sailed in her.
 
Best wishes
 
Richard

 

 

 

Richard M

(S/Y BrightStar - H 455 #90; ex S/Y Providence - H 400e #290)
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CharlesP View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote CharlesP Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28 October 2014 at 19:51
My first impression is that with a starting reading of 12.78 V your battery is virtually fully charged. Therefore, I suspect the absorption phase is the main cause of gassing. Not a problem if you are checking the electrolyte.

When I had wet cell batteries, there was hardly any gassing on float charge.

Charles
'MERIDIAN LADY'

320 Nr 536 2010

Medway
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Richard M View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Richard M Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28 October 2014 at 22:31
Many thanks Charles
Richard M

(S/Y BrightStar - H 455 #90; ex S/Y Providence - H 400e #290)
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Rubato View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rubato Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 29 October 2014 at 01:54
Richard,
13.7 in float is a bit high but not ridiculous. The voltage itself will not cause gassing, it depends on how much current is present as well. In float mode, the current is supposed to be very small. 
 
You should have a power switch for the charger on the AC panel under the chart table....
 
Steve
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Fendant View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote Fendant Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 29 October 2014 at 06:35
Where did you measure the voltage ?
On my Würth Panel indicated Voltages are 0.2 Volt higher compared to the values indicated by my Phlippi battery Monitor. Same for the engine and bow thruster batteries when measured directly at the terminals.
Frank
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Richard M View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Richard M Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 30 October 2014 at 07:57
Hello Steve
 
As ever, many thanks.
 
There is indeed a switch under the chart table - but that turns off all mains (240v) supply to the boat. So whilst it will turn off the battery charger it also turns off the domestic circuits, including the dehumidifier, which is a problem.
 
Will fit a dedicated switch for the battery charger today. 
 
I was very interested in your comments on nano polishing; our boats are the same age.
 
I'd been thinking that I should change Providence for a number of reasons - but have had 2nd thoughts following her performance going around the British Isles this summer. (Once out of the Solent we were by far the fastest sailing yacht). However I'm still concerned about having to go up to the mast for the 3rd reef - and stowing the sail is a pain. Ideally I'd have in mast furling (purists, inc my son, will hate this) so that I can manage to sail her for many more years. I'll try and put this in another post.
 
And I'm always impressed by the MyHanse "community spirit" on this website. I didn't always log in very often (due to work & other pressures) but have now retired so that can change. There are some remarkable contributors. Have just caught up with Johan's news and like many I guess was very moved by his music. 
 
Best wishes
 
Richard
Richard M

(S/Y BrightStar - H 455 #90; ex S/Y Providence - H 400e #290)
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Richard M View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Richard M Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 30 October 2014 at 08:04
Hi Fendant
 
Many thanks for this.
 
The readings were taken at the batteries.
 
 
Richard M

(S/Y BrightStar - H 455 #90; ex S/Y Providence - H 400e #290)
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Rubato View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rubato Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 31 October 2014 at 21:34
Hi Richard
Sounds like we have different AC panels under the chart table.
On Rubato we have a master AC breaker (turns off all AC on the boat) and separate breakers for hot water, battery charger, outlets and I'm sure there's another but darned if I can remember what it is at the moment....
Steve

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Richard M View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Richard M Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 31 October 2014 at 23:21
Hello Steve
 
Yes - different. I have a master AC breaker too - and a separate switch for the hot water. But that's it. Fitted the separate breaker for the battery charger yesterday so hopefully the problem has been addressed.
 
ATB Richard
Richard M

(S/Y BrightStar - H 455 #90; ex S/Y Providence - H 400e #290)
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