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Topic Title: INVERTER QUESTIONS
Topic Summary: where to put the batteries
Created On: 11/23/2007 11:02:54 PM

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11/23/2007 11:02:54 PM
houseboatKC Member Posts: 28 Joined: 11/04/2006	My question is the placement of the batteries for a power inverter. I have a 62' Waterhouse aluminum hull. The only sealed compartment in the hull is the engine compartment, and with two 4cyl volvo's , a 12.5 westerbeke genset, and a 55 gal fuel tank I barely have room for a flashlight battery. The rest of the hull under the cabin and even out under the front deck is one open compartment. I am cautious about having batteries under my cabin that are being charged for fear of explosion and fumes. I am thinking of using a 2500 watt inverter/charger system with 3 sets of 6volt batteries (6 batteries total). My thinking is the batteries need to be in a sealed compartment vented to the outside. My access to the hull is through two small hatches both of which is in the cabin. All thoughts and ideas will be appreciated. Thanks ----------- houseboatKC
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11/24/2007 07:40:49 AM
MILLERTYME Admiral Posts: 253 Joined: 02/20/2006	the batteries need to be in the engine compartment if possible, but if room is an issue then do you have any space on the rear deck to construct a sealed compartment to install the batteries in? I would avoid putting them in the hull under the cabin at all costs. ------------------------- UC FANS 1999, 52' Monticello - Miller Tyme Port of Aurora IN
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11/24/2007 07:49:34 AM
alreadygone Admiral Posts: 792 Joined: 02/07/2004	While sitting loose in lower compartment isn't the greatest idea, why not have a semi-sealed box built of aluminum,stainless,or properly 'glassed wood? Then install an engine compartment blower vented to the outside? While not done commonly, I'm betting it would be possible to wire new blower to the cooling fan inside inverter so that it only comes on when batteries are charging(the only time their outgassing also). Bob ------------------------- I carry a gun because it's too tiring carrying a cop.
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11/24/2007 10:18:35 AM
captainsquarters Junior Member Posts: 7 Joined: 07/30/2007	I had the same issue so I used 100 Amp hour AGM battries that will not off gas and do not need vented. I built a bracket under the front deck to hold the battries and put the inverter on the other side of the front bulkhead so the cable run was as short as possible.
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11/24/2007 11:12:57 AM
MILLERTYME Admiral Posts: 253 Joined: 02/20/2006	while agm batteries are not suppose to vent they requirer a special inverter/charger that doesn't do a "spike charge" as these batteries will burn up and vent if the voltage exceeds 13.5 vdc. see other post's on this subject here and @ houseboatingworld. ------------------------- UC FANS 1999, 52' Monticello - Miller Tyme Port of Aurora IN
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11/24/2007 11:14:56 AM
OLD HOUSEBOATER Super moderator Posts: 1520 Joined: 10/18/2002	AGMs will vent if overheated therefore a vented compartment is necessary. ------------------------- OLD HOUSEBOATER
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11/24/2007 08:09:28 PM
alreadygone Admiral Posts: 792 Joined: 02/07/2004	I probably wouldn't worry as much about explosion as I would corrosive nature of battery gasses. Hydrogen, while an extremely flamable gas, is lighter than air so there's no real worry of accumulation. Bob ------------------------- I carry a gun because it's too tiring carrying a cop.
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11/26/2007 08:29:42 PM
Ike Admiral Posts: 264 Joined: 07/24/2006	HBKC, everyone here gave good advice. just an added note about AGMs and Gell Cells. In the industry these are called Sealed Valve Regulated Batteries. Normally they do not vent. But each cell has a little valve in it. If the battery gets too hot or is over charged, pressure build up is released by the valve. This can occur if you are using the wrong type of charger. Chargers for these batteries need to be voltage regulated to the battery manufacturers specs, usually between 12 and 14 volts but it varies depending on brand. Also and very important there must be a temperature sensor fro the charger to sense the battery temp. But that doesn't answer your question about where to put them. Putting them in a people space is not a good idea. There are simply a whole lot of sources of ignition. However, hydrogen dissipates at an extremely rapid rate so any ventilation above the battery is probably adequate. But battery outgas is very corrosive as is the electrolyte. That is why the fed regs and ABYC standards do not allow any fuel system components directly above or below batteries. ------------------------- Ike "Don't tell me I can't. Tell me how I can!" New Boat Builders Home Page My Boating Safety Blog My Boat Building News Blog
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11/26/2007 08:44:54 PM
stmbtwle Admiral Posts: 2142 Joined: 04/22/2003	If that is a gas boat I'd think you're safer with the batteries OUT of the engine compartment. Yes the batteries can still explode but there's a lot less chance they'll set off fuel vapors. As long as the space is ventilated it shouldn't be a problem. Hydrogen goes UP and won't settle in the bilge like gas. ------------------------- Willie She's a tired old barge but she's paid for! http://s71.photobucket.com/alb...p;current=ef324993.pbw
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