Recommendation for float-service backup battery

jimmacpherson
jimmacpherson Registered Users Posts: 1
Hi, I'd like a recommendation on specific makes / models of batteries for my long-term backup power needs for a fire/burglar alarm system.

Here are the specs & operating conditions:
12V, expected current draw max 2 to 3 Amps, only during power outages which occur ~3 times a year around these parts.
Desired capacity: 100+ amp-hours.
Charging: "dumb" constant trickle-charge from the alarm panel. 
Manual cycling/maintenance: I can arrange to deep-cycle the battery manually at recommended intervals but cannot physically access the battery for fancier maintenance such as hydrometer / fluid-level checking, etc.
Physical conditions: protected, dry space with average temperature of 50ºF to 75ºF average, occasional seasonal extremes of 40º to 95ºF. No vibration or harsh chemical vapor exposure.)

I think what I'm looking for is a "telephone service backup battery," designed for constant standby with low trickle charge, infrequent and moderate discharge rates. I would like to optimize for the longest-possible service life. I.e. I would rather pay $500 for a battery that will last for 15 or 20 years, vs. paying $150 for a battery that lasts only 3 to 5 years.

Comments

  • stmar
    stmar Solar Expert Posts: 370 ✭✭✭
    Lifeline is a good line, AGM so low maintenance. They are not cheap but very good quality.
  • mike95490
    mike95490 Solar Expert Posts: 9,583 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Does the alarm company have any recomendations ?
    Otherwise, almost any group size 27 GEL battery should work for float, but I'd expect no more than 10 years out of it.
    15 years is not realistic.
    Powerfab top of pole PV mount | Listeroid 6/1 w/st5 gen head | XW6048 inverter/chgr | Iota 48V/15A charger | Morningstar 60A MPPT | 48V, 800A NiFe Battery (in series)| 15, Evergreen 205w "12V" PV array on pole | Midnight ePanel | Grundfos 10 SO5-9 with 3 wire Franklin Electric motor (1/2hp 240V 1ph ) on a timer for 3 hr noontime run - Runs off PV ||
    || Midnight Classic 200 | 10, Evergreen 200w in a 160VOC array ||
    || VEC1093 12V Charger | Maha C401 aa/aaa Charger | SureSine | Sunsaver MPPT 15A

    solar: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Solar
    gen: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Lister ,

  • Estragon
    Estragon Registered Users Posts: 4,496 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Anyone have an opinion on using a lithium in this sort of application? Instead of floating, just charge it a couple times/year?
    Off-grid.  
    Main daytime system ~4kw panels into 2xMNClassic150 370ah 48v bank 2xOutback 3548 inverter 120v + 240v autotransformer
    Night system ~1kw panels into 1xMNClassic150 700ah 12v bank morningstar 300w inverter
  • mike95490
    mike95490 Solar Expert Posts: 9,583 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Estragon said:
    Anyone have an opinion on using a lithium in this sort of application? Instead of floating, just charge it a couple times/year?
    Opinion - waste of money.  Unless you just order a batch of the Tadiran primary cells , 20 year lifetime


    Powerfab top of pole PV mount | Listeroid 6/1 w/st5 gen head | XW6048 inverter/chgr | Iota 48V/15A charger | Morningstar 60A MPPT | 48V, 800A NiFe Battery (in series)| 15, Evergreen 205w "12V" PV array on pole | Midnight ePanel | Grundfos 10 SO5-9 with 3 wire Franklin Electric motor (1/2hp 240V 1ph ) on a timer for 3 hr noontime run - Runs off PV ||
    || Midnight Classic 200 | 10, Evergreen 200w in a 160VOC array ||
    || VEC1093 12V Charger | Maha C401 aa/aaa Charger | SureSine | Sunsaver MPPT 15A

    solar: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Solar
    gen: http://tinyurl.com/LMR-Lister ,