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--- haas:projects:solarbattery [2022/04/16 16:32] – [20220408] wedge
+++ haas:projects:solarbattery [2022/05/12 12:45] (current) – [20220505] wedge
@@ Line 116: / Line 116: @@
 Witnessed cell voltage slowly go from 3.28V to 3.29V and eventually 3.30V.
+====20220419====
+I picked up a 10A adjustable DC power supply, and this week have been using that for my charging efforts.
+Using that, I've managed to upgrade from 1.5A of charging current to... 1.5A-2A. The quality of the leads seems to be the issue.
+====20220420====
+My current obstacle is adequate leads to get a decent amperage.
+I cannibalized a computer AC power cable, stripping it down to the copper wire, and wiring that up to the cells and power supply. I also continued to use the existing leads, and got my charging amperage up into the 3A range.
+At the end of the charging session, cells were in the 3.30V territory, occasionally flirting with 3.31v when measuring.
+====20220421====
+Progress, as I've read and have come to expect, is slow, and not necessarily linear. The key is the amperage, not necessarily the steady progression of the measured voltage (although that, while settling, will seem to rise to some extent, over time based on state of charge).
+Presently I am getting 4-5A, the most out of any day so far. I got a better contact of the wires (seeing a pretty consistent value within the range of 15W of power use on the display).
+To be sure, learning all sorts of important things with respect to electricity, adding to my corpus of experience. To the onlooker, an otherwise straightforward and uneventful, boring process. But to me, the participant, I'm being informed by all sorts of things. Various details have come into further clarity, and more things are clicking together.
+Upped my charge voltage to 3.45V.
+Cells seem to be on their way from 3.31V to 3.32V.
+====20220423====
+Sourced better leads, although even then, I'm only getting 3.75A. I guess that's what I'm destined to settle with, if only using one set of leads. I jury-rigged a second lead, and am now enjoying 18-20W (5-5.5A), which is more respectable.
+Cell voltages drifted back to 3.29V/3.30V.
+Ready to take full advantage of this extra day of charging.
+====20220425====
+Took advantage of favourable conditions and went roof-top to rewire my panels for 24V operation.
+I ended up replacing almost all of the female MC4 connectors, deteriorated through exposure to the elements. I might want to go back and replace the remaining connectors just as a matter of course, a good 5 year update.
+I also removed a battery and rewired the battery bank to 24V, just because I could. So, yesterday I experienced operations in 24V, at a peak pulling 9+A from the panels (~220W). I guess time will tell: at peak generation I should be getting 16.66A from the panels.
+Shade is likely impeding power generation. Those two trees posing a greater obstacle than before.
+====20220426====
+Resuming my battery charging efforts.
+Cell voltages had fallen back to 3.30V.
+Presently charging to 3.5V, pulling 6.67A (> 20W).
+Around 9:30am, cells are all at 3.32V (with one cell showing signs of advancing to 3.33V).
+Around 2:30pm, cells are solidly at 3.32V (with some signs of advancing to 3.33V). 6.2A, still over 20W.
+====20220427====
+Left it charging overnight.
+Cells are now 3.33V, nearing 3.34V. Amperage has dropped to about 5A (17-18W).
+Still a far cry from where I'd like things to be.
+====20220428====
+Second consecutive overnight. We've been charging solid since Tuesday morning.
+Cells have reached 3.35V. Amperage is down to 3.45A (12W).
+====20220429====
+First serious run at the cabin. With panels wired for 24V and existing battery bank likewise, on a sunny day as this, I've been beyond pleased with the performance of my system.
+Cells drifted back to 3.33V.
+Now 4:18pm, cells measure once again at 3.35V (15W).
+====20220430====
+Another day of charging at the cabin.
+====20220501====
+While the sun is out, getting some charging in.
+Each resuming seems to restart us at the 3.32V/3.33V range, and a higher initial amperage (6A, 20W), and then dwindles throughout the day. Cells measuring 3.36V at the end of the day in recent days.
+====20220503====
+Started charging the second group of batteries.
+====20220505====
+Second group of batteries, charging since Tuesday, are now up to 3.32V.
+====20220512====
+After paralleling all 8 on Monday afternoon (20220509), and had upped the voltage to about 3.55V, I arrived today to find them fully charged at 3.4V (0A, 0W!)
+So, I upped it to 3.65V and left them to charge. Had a nice 7A+ going. Not sure if I am keen on leaving them to charge through Saturday. We will see. Pleased though that we seem to be wonderfully close to complete with this endeavour.
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