Posted by tat-2 on September 17, 2005, 7:53 pm
All of the small solar chargers are not very practical. They will charge
your batteries but in multiple days not nearly as fast as you think.
I'd go with a 12V setup, you can buy AAA and AA chargers which run off of
12V dc.
These batteries can be wrapped with cardboard and tape to make them fit into
C and D sized applications. I would get the new 2500mAh Nimh AA's
You would be able to use a small inverter for 120V AC.
Also, there are many 12V appliances available.
Two golf cart batteries (about $100), Charge controller ($100) and a 75W
panel ($400-450) or if you want to start small buy the batteries and a
Vector smart charger.
Ed
> In light of New Orleans, I have decided to upgrade the method that I
> care and feed for my battery operated equipment.
> In an extended loss of power, one would soon find yourself running out
> of batteries.
> In light of this, I am considering switching my batteries to
> rechargables and to have a solar recharger available as backup.
> What would the group suggest for rechargable batteries in common sizes
> and what solar charger would you recommend? Brands and models would be
> welcomed information.
> Also I am curious, how many batteries do you keep in reserve? If one
> does not use a battery, how long is the shelf life of a typical
> rechargable battery?
> Thanks for any and all advice.
> TMT
>
Posted by William P. N. Smith on September 17, 2005, 9:04 pm
>In light of New Orleans, I have decided to upgrade the method that I
>care and feed for my battery operated equipment.
Nearly all of my emergency batteries are alkalines. They are cheap,
have very long shelf lives, and fit lots of different kinds of
equipment.
>Also I am curious, how many batteries do you keep in reserve?
We keep one large package of Duracell alkalines of each size unopened
(and one opened), so it varies between one and two packages. I
suspect it's dozens of AAA and AA, maybe a dozen C and D, and 8 of the
9V size.
>If one
>does not use a battery, how long is the shelf life of a typical
>rechargable battery?
Maybe a month. Depends on the technology, use, and charging regime.
Properly maintained lead-acid batteries in a cool environment might go
6 months without any serious degradation other than maybe 50% capacity
self-discharge, but NiCads and NiMHs and such are only good for about
a month, IME, and usually not even that.
Posted by Ulysses on September 19, 2005, 12:18 pm
> I too have had a supply of alkalines for emergencies.
> New Orleans has convinced me that one needs to be able to recharge your
> portable power..that is why I am going to lay in a supply of
> rechargables.
For a while a couple of years ago everyone was dumping the "old" Sunpak 1600
mA NiMh AA batteries. I ended up buying 3 boxes altogether (120 cells).
The funny thing is that the 1600s seem to have more capacity than the 2000
mA cells.
Posted by Paul on September 17, 2005, 9:47 pm
> Good idea about the 12v standardization...I have had to jerry rig
> systems before with what is at hand...different voltages would just
> complicate the efffort.
> Do they make the Nimh in C and D size?
NiMH are made in C and D sizes. Check Radioshack
or drug stores for Energizer or other brands.
www.batteries.com
> Any recommendations for the 12 v charger?
> Any portable solar panel assembly for 12v at a respectable amperage?
> TMT
>
Posted by Gary Helfert on September 18, 2005, 2:11 am
I f you were in a New Orleans type situation where there are many trashed
cars from the storm, you will probably have many lead acid car batteries
availble.
I've seen large solar panels available for sale for RV's. Charge the car
battery from the PV panel, run it through an inverter (12 Volt to 120VAC)
you will have much flexibility for charging your Ni-Cads or Ni-Hydrides. In
fact you may be able to salvage the generators from the cars & rig some sort
of wind generator.
> In light of New Orleans, I have decided to upgrade the method that I
> care and feed for my battery operated equipment.
> In an extended loss of power, one would soon find yourself running out
> of batteries.
> In light of this, I am considering switching my batteries to
> rechargables and to have a solar recharger available as backup.
> What would the group suggest for rechargable batteries in common sizes
> and what solar charger would you recommend? Brands and models would be
> welcomed information.
> Also I am curious, how many batteries do you keep in reserve? If one
> does not use a battery, how long is the shelf life of a typical
> rechargable battery?
> Thanks for any and all advice.
> TMT
>
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> care and feed for my battery operated equipment.
> In an extended loss of power, one would soon find yourself running out
> of batteries.
> In light of this, I am considering switching my batteries to
> rechargables and to have a solar recharger available as backup.
> What would the group suggest for rechargable batteries in common sizes
> and what solar charger would you recommend? Brands and models would be
> welcomed information.
> Also I am curious, how many batteries do you keep in reserve? If one
> does not use a battery, how long is the shelf life of a typical
> rechargable battery?
> Thanks for any and all advice.
> TMT
>