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More battery issues

With a 10 amp charger, specifically on the chassis batteries, all seems well.  As per my earlier post, these batteries were new last Autumn.  I went to visit Ruby today, chassis batteries seem fine.  I may have created a problem with my inverter batteries.  The storage facility where I left Ruby was suppossed to leave her plugged into shore power.  Apparently, this was not the case, as my house batteries were severely depleted.  This 2003 designer was specifically made all electric.  I was diligent to shut off refrigerator, microwave, etc., before turning it over to the storage facility, but neglected to shut off the inverters.  Our coach has 2 prosine converters powered by 6 Northstar Marine Batteries.  I just spoke with Northstar and these are AGM batteries (can someone please explain this technology) made for marine applications 2350 MCA each.  I specifically told them 4 days ago to not unplug my motorcoach.  The inverters are powered by these batteries in groups of 3 each.  One inverter has, as of yesterday, changed from 20 amp charge to a ready light.  The other set is still fluctuating between 10 and 20 amps. Obviously, these batteries are in a basement compartment.  When I went there 4 days ago, although access is somewhat limited, I opened the door and heat was pouring out.  I would say battery temperature was somewhere in excess of 105 degrees.  Rotton eggs smell prevalent. Today, front 3 are cool, rear 3 still warm.
Thanks

Gregory & Judy
2003 designer

Re: More battery issues

Reply #1 –
I am not familiar with that brand, but Lifeline has a pretty good description of what AGM batteries are (and AGM's are my battery of choice):

Lifeline Batteries - Marine & RV Deep Cycle Batteries

And the sulfur smell is NOT good.  Neither is the heat.  One of the advantages of AGM batteries is that they have low internal resistance, so they produce less heat when charging and normally only outgas under severe overcharging.

You may have one or more bad batteries.  That causes the others to be overcharged and can ruin all of them.  That happens because a bad cell lowers the voltage.  The inverter/charger sees this low voltage and continues to charge the batteries, attempting to bring, say 5 cells up to the charge that 6 should have. 

Best advice is to separate the batteries, fully charge them and test them. 

Brett
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020
 

Re: More battery issues

Reply #3 –
ruby has 6 nsb m12 210s i was quoted about 400 each still  ouch