Charging time

I was wondering how long my batteries should take to charge they have been charging for two weeks now and haven't gotten beyond 0-35 percent charged. I am only using them to charge my cell phone and run a propane refrigerator which use dc to ignore the propane.
I have two 265 watt solar panels and four batteries with a total of 610 a/h. The batteries are charging with a absorption voltage of 14.3.
I have two 265 watt solar panels and four batteries with a total of 610 a/h. The batteries are charging with a absorption voltage of 14.3.
Comments
Also, how much current does that propane fridge use? If you are not using propane, then the fridge will be extremely inefficient when operating on electric power (AC or DC).
--vtMaps
Okay, treat us like we know nothing about your system, what batteries, charge controller and system voltage? Do you have an inverter attached. Do you have a volt meter integrated into the system or can you take voltage readings?
Any other know loads on your system?
- Assorted other systems, pieces and to many panels in the closet to not do more projects.
--vtMaps
You do need to get hold of a DVM (digital volt meter) if you are going to troubleshoot the system.
--vtMaps
Okay, did you really set the charge controller to 7.1 - 7.2 volts and float at 6.6 - 6.7 volts?
Can you disconnect the strings and see if one gives you a different reading? In string might be dead and the other losing voltage trying to maintain it. After being disconnected and sitting for 20-30 minutes, one might give you a middle range. Worth checking until you get a meter.
- Assorted other systems, pieces and to many panels in the closet to not do more projects.
KID #51B 4s 140W to 24V 900Ah C&D AGM
CL#29032 FW 2126/ 2073/ 2133 175A E-Panel WBjr, 3 x 4s 140W to 24V 900Ah C&D AGM
Cotek ST1500W 24V Inverter,OmniCharge 3024,
2 x Cisco WRT54GL i/c DD-WRT Rtr & Bridge,
Eu3/2/1000i Gens, 1680W & E-Panel/WBjr to come, CL #647 asleep
West Chilcotin, BC, Canada
I agree that it would seem you need more PV capacity for that much battery capacity. As has been mentioned a complete list of the components you have along with configuration / setup info and general location is needed to be of most help.
If flooded cell, need a hydrometer for accurate measurements.
Otherwise, use a good digital volt meter and tell us the charging voltage, and how many hours the charger holds the voltage.
Also, what is the voltage of the battery bank (and each battery) later on the evening?
-Bill
The controller may be correct, or it may not be. You need some sort of verification. They hydrometer is the "gold standard" for flooded cell batteries state of charge estimates.
The Sears meter is about the cheapest DC Current Clamp DMM I have seen that works "good enough" for your needs. The voltage measures to debug your system. And the DC current clamp so you can confirm current flow is what you expect.
-Bill
this could be an indicator of internal problems with that (AGM?) cell where the red,positive, cable is connected...
KID #51B 4s 140W to 24V 900Ah C&D AGM
CL#29032 FW 2126/ 2073/ 2133 175A E-Panel WBjr, 3 x 4s 140W to 24V 900Ah C&D AGM
Cotek ST1500W 24V Inverter,OmniCharge 3024,
2 x Cisco WRT54GL i/c DD-WRT Rtr & Bridge,
Eu3/2/1000i Gens, 1680W & E-Panel/WBjr to come, CL #647 asleep
West Chilcotin, BC, Canada
Can you measure the voltage across each battery when charging? Running a bit of pressure in an AGM/VRLA battery would seem to indicate that the battery is getting at least the minimum charging voltage (should be hitting and holding ~14.2-14.4 volts for a few hours if all is OK).
AGM/VRLA batteries should actually be spaced apart (an inch or more) so that they have good cooling. The inner batteries could run hotter if they do not have good air flow around the cases.
-Bill