Why Should I Monitor My Battery - Victron energy BMV 600 Manuel

1. INTRODUCTION
Victron Energy has established an international reputation as a leading
designer and manufacturer of energy systems. Our R&D department is the
driving force behind this reputation. It is continually seeking new ways of
incorporating the latest technology in our products. Each step forward
results in value-added technical and economical features.
1.1 Victron Energy battery monitor basics
The Precision Battery Monitor is a device that monitors your battery status.
It constantly measures the battery voltage and battery current. It uses this
information to calculate the actual state of charge of your battery.
The BMV is also equipped with a potential free contact. This can be used to
automatically start and stop a generator, or signal alarm conditions.

1.2 Why should I monitor my battery?

Batteries are used in a wide variety of applications, mostly to store energy
for later use. But how do you know how much energy is stored in your
battery? No one can tell by just looking at it.
Battery technology is often oversimplified, but some basic battery
knowledge and good monitoring is essential if you want to enjoy maximum
life from your expensive batteries. The lifetime of batteries depends on
many factors. Battery life gets reduced by under-charging, over-charging,
excessively deep discharges, discharges which go too fast, and a too high
ambient temperature. By monitoring your battery with an advanced battery
monitor like the BMV, important feedback is given to the user so that
remedial measures can be taken when necessary. This way, by extending
the battery life, the BMV will quickly pay for itself.
1.3 How does the BMV work?
The capacity of a battery is rated in Amp hours (Ah). For example, a battery
that can deliver a current of 5 Amps for a period of 20 hours is rated at
100Ah (5 * 20 = 100). The BMV continuously measures the net current flow
into or out of the battery. This way it can calculate the amount of energy
removed from or added to the battery. But since battery age, discharge
current and temperature all influence the battery's capacity; you cannot rely
simply on an Amp hours reading. When the same 100Ah battery is
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