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How the Model Calculates LifeCycle Costs
Throughout the model, all white fields are for you to modify. The shaded sections contain
calculations... any modification to them would invalidate the results.
The loads input page collects all the items that you may have on board. You enter amp draws and
duration, the model then calculates your daily amphour needs. The runtime load influences the
amount of current that can be used to refill your batteries. This benefits flooded battery users in
particular, since their batteries tend to absorb less energy than AGM or Gel batteries. The
assumption is that runtime loads are satisfied before charging can take place.
Naturally, the model compensates for reduced charge requirements if house loads on batteries are
"avoided" during recharge. More on this in the ReadMe file that accompanies the cost model. Also,
keep in mind that these results are for BULK charging only. All leadacid battery types revert to
much lower charging rates during absorption and float. I also built a model to deal with this,
although it is much more involved than the simple bulk charging model shown here. Send me an e
mail if interested (see link below)
Amphour Requirements
Then the model queries how many days a year you intend to use the boat, as well as maintenance
costs associated with your batteries. Sulphation and electrolyte maintenance only applies to
flooded cells since VRLAs don't require such maintenance.
The Renewable Energy Section:
Producing Power with Combustion Engines:
The battery properties section allows you to chose batteries by number (the data is on another
page). The leftmost column is the baseline, the column to the right holds the data for the 3D
comparison. In this example, the Lifeline AGM is the baseline, which is compared to a Surrette
12CS11 on the 3D page.
The last section calculates the net cost per day by category and battery type. It also calculates the
relative cost premium of each battery technology relative to the Lifeline AGM baseline battery. If a
cost does not apply (for example, you don't use a wind generator) the model returns "none".
Downloading the Cost Model:
Properly sizing a battery system to match a load is pretty simple, if tedious. The spreadsheet allows
you to input the values from your equipment manuals and see just how much battery capacity you
will need. Furthermore, you can compare system costs from battery to battery depending on how
much time you spend on board, battery parameters, and charging options. This is the kind of
information that magazines should publish because as we consultants like to say: "it all depends".
You can now download two versions of the Bulk Charging Model along with a read me file
describing its use in depth. One version is meant for PC users and comes in the .ZIP format.
Macintosh users can download a smaller .sit archive.
Bulk Charging Model for Macintosh (Stuffit format)
Bulk Charging Model for PCs (ZIP Format)
Naturally, I'd love to hear about your impressions and suggestions for improvements. Many thanks
for your interest and I hope this tiny model will help you make an informed decision.
Sizing Wiring the ABYC Way:
Another fun project was creating a automatic lookup table for ABYC electrical wire size
requirements. This Excel file will basically translate voltage drop requirements and ampere draws
into American Wire Gauge (AWG) wire sizes. I make no guarantees about accuracy, but it seems to
work.
AWG Wire Sizer
This Excel spreadsheet was very useful for rewiring our boat as it allowed me to order wiring in bulk
and in advance.
Latest Update on Tuesday, March 15, 2005
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