Electrical Lead Crystal Battery

[Matthew Torresan]

Hi guys,

New to this page and had a query about Lead Crystal batteries. Has anyone used these in the past? I have been told that they are great as they can be used to very low DOD and still be charged back to near full capacity. They also don't suffer from sulfation as standard lead acid batteries.

The other question is that they need to be charged on a AGM charging map and I am wondering how the standard SETEC unit goes with charging maps? Is it only good for lead acid batteries? If so, how does anyone charge their AGM batteries without reducing the life of the unit?

Thanks heaps.

 

[G Daddy]

Here is a link to the Setec-11 Series power supplies with the charging voltages and times.
I have just installed a programmable Solar regulator so I can set the voltages higher to suit my batteries.

 

[Boots in Action]

Hi guys,

New to this page and had a query about Lead Crystal batteries. Has anyone used these in the past? I have been told that they are great as they can be used to very low DOD and still be charged back to near full capacity. They also don't suffer from sulfation as standard lead acid batteries.

The other question is that they need to be charged on a AGM charging map and I am wondering how the standard SETEC unit goes with charging maps? Is it only good for lead acid batteries? If so, how does anyone charge their AGM batteries without reducing the life of the unit?

Thanks heaps.

Hi there @Matthew Torresan , I think I can help you a bit on your thread. I do not know anything about Lead Crystal batteries, perhaps you are referring to the more modern type AGM (absorbed Glass Mat) or even a GEL battery. These do not have any loose electrolyte (acid) sloshing around and have the acid in an absorbent fibre glass mat, or a Gel battery which has its electrolyte in the form of a gel paste around the lead plates. These batteries need a different charging system to the ordinary wet lead acid battery to get the best performance. They can be used to a deeper depth of discharge than ordinary batteries and will recover a full 100% if charged straight away or soon after. HOWEVER, there is a limit!! The trade off is a shortening of useful battery life!! At 100% DOD expect only 250 to 300 charges, at 50% DOD expect 600 to 700 charges, at 30% DOD you can expect up to 1500 to 1700 charges to 100% capacity. These are guides only and at 25 C. These figures could change significantly if higher temps or not charged promptly and at the right voltage. These batteries need higher charge voltages than your Setec which only reaches 14.05 volts, although the float charge is satisfactory for an AGM, but perhaps

a little high for a Gel battery. To get the best results from your AGM, you should use a "smart" battery which has at least 4 stages and will charge at the correct voltage. Once fully charged, the SETEC will keep the battery fully charged for your next trip even if left on for weeks. A Gel battery may be affected by too higher float charging voltage with the Setec.
I have attached a great sheet giving you all the information you should need to get the best out of your battery. Hope this is useful to you.

 

[Boots in Action]

Hi guys,

New to this page and had a query about Lead Crystal batteries. Has anyone used these in the past? I have been told that they are great as they can be used to very low DOD and still be charged back to near full capacity. They also don't suffer from sulfation as standard lead acid batteries.

The other question is that they need to be charged on a AGM charging map and I am wondering how the standard SETEC unit goes with charging maps? Is it only good for lead acid batteries? If so, how does anyone charge their AGM batteries without reducing the life of the unit?

Thanks heaps.

Hi there @Matthew Torresan , although I replied to your thread about a month ago, I have since found out further info on the Lead Crystal battery manufactured by Betta Batteries. Their web site is www.leadcrystalbatteries.com.au. This is a newer type of deep cycle battery, one up on the traditional AGM and approaching the performance of a Lithium style without the cost or charging problems associated with Lithium type. I also watched a video showing a comparison between a 22AH lead crystal battery and an ordinary (non AGM) 18AH sealed lead acid. These were tested to destruction (well the lead acid was!!) whilst the Lead Crystal was still giving full power AFTER 6 MONTHS. The test involved a 3.9 amp load continuously applied to a fully charged battery until it reached zero volts over a 12 hour period and then fully charged over the next 12 hours. There was even a 6 week period during the test where the Lead Crystal battery was left in a fully discharged condition because the charger would not start until a higher voltage was available. This was finally overcome by using a better charger which would start charging when battery voltage was as low as 2 volts, and the battery recovered FULL POWER. Betta Batteries boast that there is virtually NO SULPHATION because of the crystalline format of the electrolyte. It does seem to be the next generation in deep cycle batteries. It is claimed that 6000 (yes - six thousand!!) charges are possible on float charge and a projected life of 18 years!!! 1500 charges at 50% DOD AND FULL RECOVERY.
There is a considerable difference in initial price however. A 100AH battery costs $490.00 and a 132 AH is $659.00 on Ebay. This cost MAY be acceptable to some who have large current use and yet will not be worried by even an occasional 100% DOD if necessary, and if one believes the dollars represent value. This for the info of all members on this forum who may have a need for this type of battery. Technology marches on regardless of our current thinking. Based on the independent test conducted, it appears that the advertising could be factual.
Incidentally, has anyone on this forum used/purchased on of these types of batteries. I would be keen to hear their comments.

 

[Drover]

I looked at the same thing @Boots in Action , think I came to the same conclusion as you. Just a bit Exxy at this point in time.