truck batteries "are you out there nev"

old tree man · Sun Jan 06, 2008 8:10 pm

A friend of mine said i could have a couple of truck batteries if they would come in useful, i am wondering if they would be ok to use as my start for a backup lighting system.
If so what do you think they are capable of running.
I am hoping that i can build on the side of my shed a small wind turbine to recharge the batteries out of an old lorry fan and dynamo
do'nt know if it will work but going to give it a go if anyone in ishland can offer some advice i would be most grateful
HOPE YOU'R OUT THERE NEV hint hint

cheers all
Russ

Wombat · Post: # 80467Post **Wombat** » Mon Jan 07, 2008 8:52 am

Hey Russ!

Mate! if they are free, take 'em!

how much they will run depends on a whole stack of things but for a start knowing the number of amphours is good. The will not be deep cycle so won't last as long if you have a deep discharge situation (below 12 volts). It also depends on their history, how well they have been maintained etc.

They will provide a good and cheap starting point and get you used to caring for batteries so grab them and then let me know how many amphours they are. It should be marked on the side of the battery.

Nev

old tree man · Mon Jan 07, 2008 9:21 am

Thanks nev
as soon as i get them i will be in touch
thanks
Russ

camillitech · Mon Jan 07, 2008 12:14 pm

Hi OTM,

like nev says they won't last very long because they are starter batteries which have lots of thin plates for quick/high discharge as opposed to deep cycle batteries that have relativley few thick plates designed slower/longer/deeper discharges without damage. You can extend their life by not taking them below 12.2 volts. I've had wind turbines for years and it took me a long while to work this out

Don't be put off though cos like nev says it's a good starting point.

good luck, paul

Millymollymandy · Mon Jan 07, 2008 12:39 pm

I really must start wearing my glasses - I thought you were Camile and I was about to comment on how your written English had improved....

camillitech · Mon Jan 07, 2008 1:52 pm

Millymollymandy wrote:I really must start wearing my glasses - I thought you were Camile and I was about to comment on how your written English had improved....

poor camile her english must be bad if it's worse than mine

i can't even spell with a spellchecker

old tree man · Mon Jan 07, 2008 6:07 pm

Thanks again for the advice i shall keep you updated with my progress and of course hope to pick your brains as it grows,
all the best
Russ

Millymollymandy · Tue Jan 08, 2008 12:10 pm

camillitech wrote:
Millymollymandy wrote:I really must start wearing my glasses - I thought you were Camile and I was about to comment on how your written English had improved....
poor camile her english must be bad if it's worse than mine i can't even spell with a spellchecker

Camile's French - he has an excuse!

Smooth Hound · Sun Jan 13, 2008 5:36 pm

To get the longest out of your batteries i would make sure they never go flat or over charged, thats what damages them, i am not sure about your lorry blades and dynamo though, i dont think it would be turning fast enough, and also its probably 24v, you could look out for a second hand turbine, its a shame Martin is away at the moment, yhis is sdomething he seems to know alot about. opefully he will be back soon as i have a few questions my self.