[time-nuts] Re: Backup DC power with current battery technology?

[Magnus Danielson]

Hi John,

So, I have used three pairs of 12V batteries that have been charged 
similarly. That has worked out very well. I was now given another 10 
batteries that I've similarly charged up individually and will wire up 
so that they can form another 5 pairs.

Now, I know people that use LiFePo4. They have a few key learnings for 
their use:

1) Use only appropriate chargers. They are more tricky on that.

2) Be carefull to cut off so they do not discharge too much (also valid 
for lead batteries)

3) Yes, the initial cost is higher, but treat them right and they 
survive better than lead, so total economy can be better.

Since I have been given lead batteries, I've stayed with that and use 
it. If I had to invest from scratch, LiFePo4 looks interesting.

Cheers,
Magnus

On 2024-05-26 16:39, John Ackermann N8UR via time-nuts wrote:
> I need to replace the batteries in my 28 VDC power distribution system 
> in the clock room.  It's currently two series 12V AGM batteries with 
> an IOTA Engineering float charger.
>
> This system has two purposes: (a) primary power for some OCXOs and 
> other gear; and (b) failover power for some AC/DC gear like HP 
> standards. Under normal conditions, power draw is 2 or 3 amps. During 
> mains outage, it could reach 10 amps.  Now that I have a house 
> generator, long run-time isn't a big issue so 25 Ah or so of capacity 
> is plenty.
>
> I haven't explored LiFePo4 batteries until now, and I'm having trouble 
> finding a charger that can provide significant continuous load current 
> while maintaining a battery floated across the line. Does anyone have 
> recommendations for something like this?
>
> Thanks,
> John
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