What battery charger?

[Adonnante]

I have recently bought a cheap 2st 230v generator to help keep my 130amp batteries charged. We have 2 solar panels that keep the batteries charged under most circumstances but on long trips the navlights and autohelm deplete the charge. I need a 230v charger just to use on the odd occasion and don't want anything large heavy or expensive. Will a cheap £30 charger from my local motor store do the business on a 130amp lead acid battery.
thanks in anticipation.

 

[Sybarite]

It does for me.

John

 

[CPD]

Cant think why not !

 

[seaplane]

May I put something to you? As a marine electrician I am often sorting out battery problems caused by battery chargers, most commonly fried batteries caused by faults in cheap chargers. A 130 AH battery is not cheap therefore, if it were mine, I would want it to last as long as possible. Now, a cheap charger may suffice to keep ithe battery reasonable whilst it's in tip top condition but has the charger got the capability to recover the battery from a deep discharge? Can it maintain the battery on float for extended periods? I would consider paying more for the charger, the battery will most probably last longer. Food for thought?

 

[ccscott49]

A cheapish sterling three stage jobbie would be my choice. You only need a 15-20 amp one, that would do nicely and cover the concerns of seaplane above, who I agree with.

 

[Steve_N]

I agree too. I use a Sterling 20A charger with my cheapy Chinese 2 stroke 850w genny, and the combination works very well: I would guess that I've run it for about 75 hours so far this year, in preference to running a 60HP engine to spin an alternator.

Also, because the Sterling charger is tolerant of higher voltages than 230V and higher frequencies than 50Hz. (see manual) I've adjusted the genny governor to run at the upper limit of what the Sterling will accept (I only use the genny for charging) and the combination is very efficient: faster charging than when on the mains.

 

[Adonnante]

Many thanks for all your advice, I have a much clearer idea of what I require now.

Cheers Peter.