Battery basics, Why monitor a battery, How does the link 10 work – Xantrex Technology LINK 10 User Manual
Page 8: What's an amp hour
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Why monitor a battery?
Batteries can be ruined by excessive discharge. They may also be dam-
aged by under-charging. A battery (or bank of batteries) may be storing
less energy than you think. The Link 10 provides all the key data you, or
your technician, need to make decisions about battery use and charging.
How does the Link 10 work?
The Link 10 uses sophisticated microprocessor technology to report all
significant battery information. The Link 10 monitors battery voltage and
current over time to report amp hours consumed and time remaining—
precisely the information necessary to maximize system performance.
What's an amp hour?
Batteries are rated by amp hour capacity. A battery that delivers one amp
for one hour has delivered one amp hour. Marine and RV deep-cycle bat-
tery capacity is based on their 20-hour discharge rate. A battery that delivers
10 amps to a load for 20 hours before battery voltage drops to 10.5 volts,
is considered a "200 amp hour" battery. 10 amps times 20 hours equals 200
amp hours (200 Ah).
For maximum life you should never discharge more than half the rated
capacity of a battery. Therefore, if you have a 200 amp hour battery, you
should recharge when the Link 10 shows -100 in the amp hour display. The
-100 means 100 amp hours have been removed from your battery.
FOR MAXIMUM BATTERY LIFE, RECHARGE YOUR
BATTERIES WHEN YOU HAVE DISCHARGED 50%
OF THEIR AMP HOUR CAPACITY.
Battery Basics