Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Crown 24MDC battery?
The Crown 24MDC is a 12VDC flooded lead acid marine deep cycle battery with a rated capacity of 75Ah. It is designed for applications requiring repeated charge and discharge cycles and can be used for marine equipment, auxiliary power, renewable energy storage, and other deep cycle applications.
Is the Crown 24MDC suitable for solar power systems?
Yes. The Crown 24MDC can be used in solar applications where a 12VDC flooded lead acid battery is appropriate. It can work well in smaller off-grid or auxiliary solar systems when the battery bank is correctly sized for the energy demand and charging equipment.
How much energy can the Crown 24MDC provide?
The Crown data sheet lists the 24MDC at 75Ah and 12VDC. Actual usable energy will vary based on discharge rate, depth of discharge, temperature, battery condition, and system design.
How many Crown 24MDC batteries are needed for a solar battery bank?
The number required depends on the system voltage, daily energy consumption, desired backup time, solar production, inverter requirements, and allowable depth of discharge.
- One battery provides a 12VDC battery bank.
- Two batteries in series provide a 24VDC battery bank.
- Four batteries in series provide a 48VDC battery bank.
Parallel battery strings can be added when additional amp-hour capacity is required. Battery-bank sizing should be based on the complete solar system rather than voltage alone.
What applications can use the Crown 24MDC?
The 24MDC is primarily listed by Crown as a marine deep cycle battery, but its deep cycle design can also make it useful for auxiliary power, renewable energy systems, RV applications, and other equipment that requires a 12VDC deep cycle battery. The battery should always be matched to the charging system and operating requirements of the application.
Charging & Maintenance
How should the Crown 24MDC be charged in a solar system?
Use a solar charge controller designed for flooded lead acid batteries and configure the charging profile according to Crown's recommendations for the application. Proper charging is important because repeated undercharging can contribute to sulfation, while excessive charging can accelerate water loss and battery wear.
Does the Crown 24MDC require watering?
Yes. The 24MDC is identified by Crown as a flooded lead acid battery with maintenance-accessible construction. Electrolyte levels should be inspected regularly and maintained according to Crown's maintenance recommendations. Use distilled or de-mineralized water when watering is required.
How often should I inspect the Crown 24MDC?
Inspection frequency depends on cycling, charging voltage, temperature, and operating conditions. Regular checks should include electrolyte level, battery condition, terminals, cables, and signs of corrosion or damage. More frequent inspection may be needed in demanding or heavily cycled systems.
Can the Crown 24MDC be used with a solar charge controller?
Yes. A properly sized solar charge controller can be used with the 24MDC. The controller should support flooded lead acid charging and be correctly configured for the battery bank voltage and charging requirements.
Why is proper ventilation important for the Crown 24MDC?
The 24MDC is a flooded lead acid battery. Flooded batteries can release hydrogen gas during charging, so they should be installed in an appropriately ventilated area and kept away from sparks, flames, cigarettes, and other ignition sources.
Crown Battery Comparison
What is the difference between the Crown 24MDC and 24HDC?
The Crown 24MDC and 24HDC are both 12VDC flooded lead acid deep cycle batteries in BCI Group 24. The 24HDC offers a higher 95Ah capacity compared with 75Ah for the 24MDC and also provides a higher MCA rating and greater reserve capacity. The 24MDC is the more compact and lighter option, while the 24HDC is better suited when additional storage capacity is the priority.
|
Specification
|
24MDC
|
24HDC
|
|
Voltage
|
12VDC
|
12VDC
|
|
Capacity
|
75Ah
|
95Ah
|
|
MCA Rating
|
685
|
780
|
|
Reserve Capacity
|
100 min @ 25A
|
140 min @ 25A
|
|
Dimensions
|
10.19 x 6.81 x 9.50 in (25.9 x 17.3 x 24.1 cm)
|
11.06 x 6.81 x 9.38 in (28.1 x 17.3 x 23.8 cm)
|
|
Weight
|
38 lbs (17.2 kg)
|
50 lbs (22.7 kg)
|
|
Terminal Type
|
Dual post/Stud combination
|
Dual post/Stud combination
|
How does the Crown 24MDC compare with the 27MDC?
The Crown 24MDC has a 75Ah capacity, while the 27MDC provides 95Ah. The 27MDC also has a higher MCA rating and reserve capacity. The 24MDC uses the smaller Group 24 form factor, making it a better choice when available installation space is limited. The 27MDC is more appropriate when greater energy storage is needed and its larger physical size can be accommodated.
|
Specification
|
24MDC
|
27MDC
|
|
Voltage
|
12VDC
|
12VDC
|
|
Capacity
|
75Ah
|
95Ah
|
|
MCA Rating
|
685
|
940
|
|
Reserve Capacity
|
100 min @ 25A
|
140 min @ 25A
|
|
Dimensions
|
10.19 x 6.81 x 9.50 in (25.9 x 17.3 x 24.1 cm)
|
12.95 x 6.81 x 9.38 in (32.9 x 17.3 x 23.8 cm)
|
|
Weight
|
38 lbs (17.2 kg)
|
53 lbs (24.0 kg)
|
|
Terminal Type
|
Dual post/Stud combination
|
Dual post/Stud combination
|
Solar Application & Battery Life
How deeply should I discharge the Crown 24MDC in a solar system?
For solar applications, avoiding unnecessary deep discharges can help preserve flooded lead acid battery life. The system should be sized so the battery is not routinely pushed to an excessive depth of discharge. Shallower cycling generally places less stress on a lead acid battery and can provide better long-term performance than repeatedly using nearly all available capacity.
What should I consider when sizing a solar system around the Crown 24MDC?
Start with the home's or equipment's daily energy requirement, then consider the desired backup period, solar production, inverter efficiency, battery-bank voltage, and allowable depth of discharge. The 24MDC's 75Ah rating should be treated as one part of the complete battery-bank calculation rather than the total amount of energy that should routinely be consumed.
Can the Crown 24MDC be used for RV or marine auxiliary power?
Yes. Crown identifies the 24MDC as a marine deep cycle battery, making it suitable for applications requiring stored auxiliary power. It can also be considered for RV and similar systems when its capacity, charging requirements, physical fit, and maintenance needs match the application.
What can cause a Crown 24MDC to lose performance?
Common factors include repeated undercharging, excessive discharge, inadequate maintenance, high operating temperatures, corrosion, poor electrical connections, and normal battery aging. Checking the charging system and battery condition together can help identify whether the issue is related to the battery or the larger system.
What makes the Crown 24MDC different from a starter battery?
The 24MDC is designed as a marine deep cycle battery rather than solely as a starting battery. Deep cycle batteries are intended to provide sustained energy through repeated discharge and recharge cycles, making this type of battery more appropriate for auxiliary loads and energy storage than a battery designed primarily for short-duration engine starting.
Read Less