Classic + Desulfator

[david3]

I've heard that there are problems with certain MPPT charge controllers when used with a desulfator.  Does anybody know if the Midnite Solar Classic charge controllers work OK in combination with a desulfator?

[keyturbocars]

I haven't noticed any problems with my Battery Life Saver desulfator and my Classic 150.  No interference or problems that I have ever noticed.  Not sure about all the other brands of desulfators out there, though.

Edward

[Westbranch]

I've been mulling the interference issue over and, as I see it, there should only be a possibility of interference  WHILE the CC is operating  , after the CC shuts down (~sunset) the desulphator should work normally .

Other reading of late stated that for good desulphator effectiveness the battery needs to be cycled with SoC taken to 70% or lower followed by a good charge as opposed to maintaining a constantly Hi SoC

Comments?

Eric

[keyturbocars]

Hi Eric,

I've also read that cycling the batteries is most effective for some desulfators to work.  That's what they say for the Battery Life Saver desulfator that I have.  I bought an old (NOS) set of AGM's because it was literally what I could afford at the time, and I've had issues from Day 1.  I don't know if the BLS desulfator has helped them much or not.  I've used a BLS on various old flooded lead acid batteries around the farm, and it has helped to revive some of those.  My experience with the AGM's has not been as good, but it might just be because the AGM's had much more hard sulfate crystals. 

Edward

[Westbranch]

Hi Edward, same for me , used AGM, but a great teacher as I was not afraid to try different regimes.  For the price I would do it again now that I know what to look for before buying.

I first went back out a few weeks ago after the snow retreated enough to drive to the cabin, and since then have been pleased to find there is a .2V increase in overnight recovery after use (from 12.6 to 12.8V), and the voltage did not drop as fast under load.  Loads not measured but pattern of use consistent... also last summer/fall I added ~200 ml of distilled/deionized H2O /cell several times so this may also have had an effect, though I did not see it before shutdown.

Eric

[keyturbocars]

Eric, What brand of desulfator do you have on your battery bank?

Edward

[Westbranch]

Edward, I got the 555 version of this one. don recommended it for the  PV charging + AGM system.

http://home.comcast.net/~ddenhardt201263/desulfator/desulfparts.htm

http://home.comcast.net/~ddenhardt201263/desulfator/lowpower.htm
also
http://members.shaw.ca/pferlow/desulfator.htm

I have 2, I put the first kit together.
Didn't think it was working
(no 10Mhz squeal, mind you I have a hearing deficit and also  don't know what it was supposed to  sound like anyway) 
so mailed it back a year later and he found/repaired a couple of cold solder joints.

had him send me a second pre-assembled one while repairs were being done.  #1 is now doing duty on my deep cycle 'fishing' battery.

1000# battery = 1000 days = ~ 3 years so I am ~ 1/3 of the way there

Eric

[keyturbocars]

Interesting.  I thought about trying one of those desulfators in the past, but I ended up deciding against it because I wasn't sure if anything could be done with my batteries (except replace them once they get really bad).  Sounds like they might have helped a little already with the AGM batteries at your cabin.

Edward

[david3]

I haven't noticed any problems with my Battery Life Saver desulfator and my Classic 150.  No interference or problems that I have ever noticed.  Not sure about all the other brands of desulfators out there, though.

Thanks for the info.  Looks like it should probably work, then.