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Old 25-03-2017, 19:42   #1
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Solar Regulator Advice

Hi All

I just ordered 2 x solar panels @ 200w each to replace my old kyocera 95w panels.

I will need a new regulator to go with it. My batteries are maintenance free CERAMIC bosch HCM27-700. I have been told the normal regulators are not suitable for ceramic batteries.

The current controller is a morningstar sunsaver 20 which I believe will be too small as the panel short amp rating is 11amp per panel so I am guessing 22 in parallel?

Can anyone please advise the correct controller for these panels and CERAMIC (not lead acid) batteries.

Many Thanks

David
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Old 25-03-2017, 20:39   #2
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Re: Solar Regulator Advice

"CERAMIC bosch HCM27-700" Are you sure about that?

AFAIK, the Bosch HCM27-700 is a 95Ah, 12V dual-purpose, lead acid battery (what Bosch call "high cycle").

I have not been able to find any reference to Bosch making a ceramic battery. (Ceramics are very much on the bleeding edge of battery technology and still in the development stage)
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Old 25-03-2017, 22:29   #3
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Re: Solar Regulator Advice

Hi

It is described as Cal Cal MF here

http://aa-boschap-nz.resource.bosch.com/media/parts/service_parts__auto_parts/asia_pacific_bat_img/ueberarbeitung/battery-m-seriesbrochure-efile.pdf


Which according to some references I read means ceramic

https://www.batteriesplus.com.au/shop/car-truck/battery-terms-explained/

So I think they are calcium maint free

Happy to be proven wrong cause I am no expert

Thanks

David
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Old 25-03-2017, 22:39   #4
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Re: Solar Regulator Advice

s
Quote:
Originally Posted by ducati996guy View Post
Hi

It is described as Cal Cal MF here

http://aa-boschap-nz.resource.bosch....hure-efile.pdf


Which according to some references I read means ceramic

https://www.batteriesplus.com.au/sho...rms-explained/

So I think they are calcium maint free

Happy to be proven wrong cause I am no expert

Thanks

David
Acording to this I found

Silver Calcium alloy batteries are a type of lead-acid battery with grids made from lead-calcium-silver alloy, instead of the traditional lead-antimony alloy or newer lead-calcium alloy. They stand out for its resistance to corrosion and the destructive effects of high temperatures
So they are infact lead acid batteries that are constructed for high heat applications.
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Old 25-03-2017, 23:03   #5
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Re: Solar Regulator Advice

Ok more research needed clearly :-)

This link explains more
22F-520 | Independent Battery Distributors | Australia's leading independent distributor of high quality batteries

Am I safe to assume then, any regulator will suit?

What do I need to look for in a regulator? Seems to me the prices range from $50 to $500

I will have 2x 200w panels. Each has short current of 11.1amp

Thanks
David
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Old 25-03-2017, 23:10   #6
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Re: Solar Regulator Advice

How about a pair of these https://www.amazon.com/Victron-BlueS.../dp/B00U3MK0CI one for each panel (I love redundancy)
Or you could use this 100/30 for both panels.
https://www.victronenergy.com/solar-...rs/mppt-100-30
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Old 26-03-2017, 02:33   #7
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Re: Solar Regulator Advice

Quote:
Originally Posted by ducati996guy View Post
Hi

It is described as Cal Cal MF here

http://aa-boschap-nz.resource.bosch....hure-efile.pdf

Which according to some references I read means ceramic
Nope, ceramic batteries are something completely different.

"A Calcium battery is a still a lead acid battery; they are usually sealed maintenance free. Calcium replaces antimony in the plates of the battery to give it some advantages including improved resistance to corrosion, no excessive gassing, less water usage and lower self discharge"

Use a standard FLA charging regime, but since it is sealed/maintenance free you need to be cautious about overcharging/ heating.
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Old 26-03-2017, 03:03   #8
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Re: Solar Regulator Advice

Quote:
Originally Posted by ducati996guy View Post
Ok more research needed clearly :-)

This link explains more
22F-520 | Independent Battery Distributors | Australia's leading independent distributor of high quality batteries

Am I safe to assume then, any regulator will suit?

What do I need to look for in a regulator? Seems to me the prices range from $50 to $500

I will have 2x 200w panels. Each has short current of 11.1amp

Thanks
David
Ps. Gotta love cruisers forum, access to experts in all areas of cruising :-)


They appear to be conventional car batteries to me. They are the same thing I fit to our little fleet of restored vintage vehicles.

They usually need a modern alternator because they need a slightly higher charging voltage than our cars used to provide, don't quote me here but I think they need 14.6 volts.

They are not deep cycle and they have a pretty small capacity. In other words they seem a VERY strange choice for a boat. Is there any particular reason you chose them?
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Old 26-03-2017, 03:25   #9
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Re: Solar Regulator Advice

Quote:
Originally Posted by StuM View Post
Nope, ceramic batteries are something completely different.

"A Calcium battery is a still a lead acid battery; they are usually sealed maintenance free. Calcium replaces antimony in the plates of the battery to give it some advantages including improved resistance to corrosion, no excessive gassing, less water usage and lower self discharge"

Use a standard FLA charging regime, but since it is sealed/maintenance free you need to be cautious about overcharging/ heating.
I believe you are correct Stu. I use similar batteries on my boat made by Bosch (mine are 105a ones). The company provides the charging voltage regime for bulk, absorbtion and float. I set my Outback solar controller to a conservative charging regime (the boat sits idle most of the time with the batteries on float). If you overcharge these batteries they have to vent, and with no way to replace the water, it becomes a problem.

The OP might benefit from a solar controller that offers temperature monitoring during charging just to be on the safe side.
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Old 27-03-2017, 12:20   #10
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Re: Solar Regulator Advice

Quote:
Originally Posted by newhaul View Post
How about a pair of these https://www.amazon.com/Victron-BlueS.../dp/B00U3MK0CI one for each panel (I love redundancy)
Or you could use this 100/30 for both panels.
https://www.victronenergy.com/solar-...rs/mppt-100-30
I'd second Victron. Quality gear that allows you to customize the charging parameters to meet your needs. The BlueTooth and an iPhone/Android app is pretty neat. I'd think most MorningStar MPPTs will also be great.
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