Flooded Lead Acid + Alcohol stove = Terrible idea?

[ginga]

So it's my understanding that these batteries when being charged or overcharged will produce hydrogen gasses.  I've been reading that depending on your care of them and how you box/vent them will affect how much they produce.  So in theory if I take proper care steps I should give myself a minimum amount of hydrogen.  

I've also been reading about alcohol stoves because electric camping stoves use way too much energy.  Alcohol stoves in a well ventilated area seem to be agreed upon that they are safe to use inside.  

How bad of an idea is it really to consider using an alcohol stove in a vehicle where you also have these types of batteries?  Obviously I wouldn't be charging and burning at the same time because the car would have to be on for that.  Of course I would be venting the car with windows and a fan when burning the alcohol stove.  And I'll certainly be venting the battery box.  Does this remain a very unwise decision or should it just be done with extreme care?  

I'm also considering putting a small computer fan inside the battery box and running a small tube from the box to the outside of the car to push any potential gasses out.



Batteries used: https://www.batteriesplus.com/battery/rv/deep-cycle/6/sligc110

 

[MikeRuth]

Your reasoning and thoughts are pretty good here and as long as you maintain air circulation drawing fresh air in and out the vent(s) sounds OK,
Others will disagree so you really have to make the final decision on what you are comfortable with.

 

[highdesertranger]

while I am not a fan of liquid fuel stoves inside of a vehicle, I believe as far as the stove and batteries are concerned you will be fine. highdesertranger

 

[LeeRevell]

An electric fan motor can spark - bad juju inside the battery box.
If the box is vented to outside, a fueled stove should be no problem.

 

[Trebor English]

Many people use butane or propane stoves.  Other than the liquid spill possibility the alcohol stove hazard should be the same with regard to batteries near cooking.  I haven't noticed anyone posting about an actual battery related problem caused by a spark or open flame from cooking.  Every 12 or 120 volt computer fan I have seen has had a brushless (sparkless) motor.  Accidental short circuits sometimes happen but a closed battery box should help prevent that.

There are real threats out there.  Generally the equipment we use in vans and camping is safe enough.  People make mistakes causing the problem.  If you switch from smoking tobacco to electronic vapor nicotine you reduce your fire hazard a lot.  Avoid grease fires when cooking.  Avoid getting distracted when doing potentially dangerous things like cooking and driving.  Asking questions when facing unfamiliar technology is a really good idea.

 

[MikeRuth]

An electric fan motor can spark - bad juju inside the battery box.
If the box is vented to outside, a fueled stove should be no problem.

Not to likely from today's DC fans that mostly use Brushless motors now. 

MIke

 

[John61CT]

If you vent at all battery gassing is IMO very low-odds risk.

And liquid vs gas cooking fuel, both require caution, personally think liquid's maybe safer.

Just don't expect a fast stir-fry, alcohol's slower, low BTU cooking, with pauses to refill restart.

So from that POV I'd stick to propane cooking myself. I like to setup my chuck box outside unless weather, location really don't allow.

 

[RVTravel]

I say the alcohol stove is more dangerous to use inside because sometimes you cannot see the flame and if you spill it you will regret it ; ). I saw a guy nearly light himself on fire after turning over his alcohol stove around a campfire.

 

[Spaceman Spiff]

Just one caution if using an alcohol stove: Since alcohol doesn't produce a visible flame be extra careful around it.  I've given myself a couple of bad burns touching one when I think it is out.  It is also an issue if tipped.  You won't see where it is burning until you see the effect (e.g. the counter top is charring).

As to FLA batteries in the same small space as an open flame: if you are moving around, opening and closing doors, venting or have a breeze, and don't have the flame right next to the batteries; it won't be an issue.  It is still a good idea to have a vented battery box.  Some people are very sensitive to the battery smell, some don't notice it.

 -- Spiff

 

[ccbreder]

The alcohol, or any liquid fueled, stove is much more the worry than lead acid batteries or the gases they produce. The low voltage muffin fans as found in computers or at Radio Shack do not have brushes. Lead acid batteries do not produce vast amounts of hydrogen. Really are only dangerous when being heavily charged. Or used while dry.