My 400 watt Renogy kit included a temperature sensor, to be placed near the batteries. Looking in the instructions, it appears to be optional. I'm currently using lead acid batteries, maybe do gel next. How important is the battery temperature? Isn't that more of a lithium thing? Just already so many wires in the battery compartment.
Actually, in this case it's a lead acid thing. Lead acid batteries charge and discharge differently at different temperatures. It's likely your Renogy will use the temperature info to adjust charging and state of charge profiles.
However, it's not a critical thing - just an optimal thing.
Yes, with Lithium temperatures are important but for different reasons.
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2017 Winnebago Adventurer 37F
2016 Lincoln MKX Toad
All betteries except LiPo should be charged at a higher rate during cold weather, and conversly a lower rate in hot weather.
The temperature sensor should be against the battery case to accomplish this, otherwise don't bother to use the sensor.
My temperature sensor went bad and was charging my battery bank like it was 30°F. It boiled them dry.
I disconnected the sensor, and the Xantrex charger has worked fine ever since. I now have an AGM battery bank and it float charges/maintains at 13.3V with sensor disconnected.
__________________ 2000 Winnebago Ultimate Freedom USQ40JD, ISC 8.3 Cummins 350, Spartan MM Chassis. USA 1SG, retired;PPA,Good Sam Life member,FMCA. "We the people are the rightful masters of both the Congress and the Courts - not to overthrow the Constitution but to overthrow men who pervert the Constitution." Abraham Lincoln
Batteries should be charged more slowly at low temperatures, so the solar charge controller temperature sensor is important, especially if you experience below-freezing temperatures.
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Gil and Kathy
2015 Minnie Winnie 31K, no toad
"The only thing that works on an RV is its owner."
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