[SEL] 32 volt question

[Elden]

Jerry:

In my (not so) humble opinion, it would be best to get four
identical 8-volt lead-acid batteries and charge them to about 37
volts with the genset.  8-volt batteries are available (at least
in the U.S.) at farm supply stores and the larger auto parts
stores.  8-volt batteries are used to replace 6-volt batteries in
some slow-cranking cars, trucks and tractors.

Next best would be three identical 12-volt lead-acid batteries
and charge them to 41.4 volts.  This would be a little high for
"32 volt" lamps and would shorten their life a bit.

Originally, the 32-volt sets were used with sixteen individual
lead-acid cells and they were actually charged to about 37 volts.

Some of the 32-volt sets used "Edison" nickel-iron batteries.  It
took about 26 cells (1.2 volts per cell) to form the bank.

Charging time depends on the state of discharge of the batteries,
the voltage and current available and how "soft" the generators
are.  Most times, don't expect peak charging current except when
the batteries are almost fully discharged.  The current will
taper-off as the batteries reach full charge.

If you can actually maintain current to full charge voltage,
divide the amp-hour capacity of the batteries by the charging
current and add about 50% to get the charging time.

Simple, eh?

Take care - Elden
http://www.oldengine.org/members/durand

> -----Original Message-----
> From: sel-bounces at lists.stationary-engine.com
> [mailto:sel-bounces at lists.stationary-engine.com]On
> Behalf Of Jerry Evans
> Sent: Sunday, October 10, 2010 7:29 AM
> To: Old Engine List; SEL List
> Subject: [SEL] 32 volt question
>
>
> Hi all the Guru's out there,
>          A few questions re 32 volt lighting systems.
> I have a Lister D, a
> Petter AS and another 32 volt lighting set.
>
>          I would like to use one of them to charge
> Lead acid batteries (12
> volt). Now, 12 volt into 32 volt does not go !!! (and
> even combinations of
> 12 and 6 - if we could still get 6 volt batteries here).
>
>          Now, how were these used in those days?  3 x
> 12 volt batteries (my
> plan) = 36 volts - will a 32 volt genset charge these
> 3 x 100 amp/hour
> batteries . (O.K. I know that I'm going to be asked
> for "output" of the
> generator).

..............snip........................