Running Two Alternators

[S&S]

A 1600Ah bank (which is what I'm trying to fit) would take a max charge rate of 4800A (in theory) or 500A/cell. However the terminals /wiring couldn't take that. In any event, for this application the limit is alternator output, not charge acceptance rate.

The engine just won't take a 12hp side load so I need a bracket and external bearings to unload the crank.

[s/v Jedi]

My Lestec Brute210 alternators take 7 hp each @ 210A output.

ciao!
Nick.

[S&S]

Originally Posted by s/v Jedi

My Lestec Brute210 alternators take 7 hp each @ 210A output.

ciao!
Nick.

Round it to 15. I'll still need a bracket. mesquaukee's option is the solution.

[S&S]

Update: Talked to Westerbeke and there are 4 transverse and 5 longitudinal bolt holes (all M 12's) to mount a PTO bracket. Now to take some measurements to fit and a little time with AutoCad to draw it up.

[S&S]

It appears that the Deere based engine (Northern Lights 1064) will handle the side loading of the proposed alternator without a bracket.
(and they'll even fabricate the second mount!)

[pacific_voyager]

You only need one regulator to run two alternators with parallel outputs on a single engine.

I have run a 100A alternator with a 175A alternator off a single Balmar M-612. The field wires are paralleled. The output from both alternators is in parallel to an 880AH AGM bank. The starter batt is charged using a Balmar "Digital Duo Charge" which keeps it topped up.

[S&S]

Originally Posted by pacific_voyager

You only need one regulator to run two alternators with parallel outputs on a single engine.

I have run a 100A alternator with a 175A alternator off a single Balmar M-612. The field wires are paralleled. The output from both alternators is in parallel to an 880AH AGM bank. The starter batt is charged using a Balmar "Digital Duo Charge" which keeps it topped up.

Balmar said they can't handle Niehoff's field current- in any event there'll be two different chemistries(LiFePO4 and AGM) so I think two seperate systems is the easiest way to go.

Wound up going with Beta for the engine; here's what they came up with:

[gael]

Originally Posted by S&S

I've called them, They say that'll work but recommend their new system. I'm thinking of going to LiFePO4 batteries ( courtesy of wotname -maybe I'll start a thread on that) and the voltage requirements are out of spec for Balmars. In spec regulators arent set up to run them seperately.

I'm planning also to move to LiFePO4 batteries (not Li ion) to keep my sailboat ligther. At first glance I'll have 2* 24V 160Ah banks connected on the same alternator, each banks with its own BMS and balancing stuff.
The engine boat is a Volvo D2-55
The issue I'm facing is the alternator. To charge such bank, it should deliver almost 30V and so far, all regular marine engineer I know dnt want to commit something like that.
regards
Gael
If someone could help???
Is there a thread on lithium batteries for marine - w/o spatial style budget ??

[S&S]

Originally Posted by gael

I'm planning also to move to LiFePO4 batteries (not Li ion) to keep my sailboat ligther. At first glance I'll have 2* 24V 160Ah banks connected on the same alternator, each banks with its own BMS and balancing stuff.
The engine boat is a Volvo D2-55
The issue I'm facing is the alternator. To charge such bank, it should deliver almost 30V and so far, all regular marine engineer I know dnt want to commit something like that.
regards
Gael
If someone could help???
Is there a thread on lithium batteries for marine - w/o spatial style budget ??

For smaller alts, I've heard good things about Balmar regualtors. That may work in your application. The field current for my alt. is too high for Balmar or Ample so I have to go with the stock Niehoff regulator.
Nominal voltage for a Niehoff 24V alt is 28 volts and may be adjustable higher.

[s/v Jedi]

The Ample Power with it's 15A field current isn't enough?! I have 14A max with my two 210A alternators combined (that's 14A field for 420A output). No trouble with my SARv3

cheers,
Nick.

[S&S]

Originally Posted by s/v Jedi

The Ample Power with it's 15A field current isn't enough?! I have 14A max with my two 210A alternators combined (that's 14A field for 420A output). No trouble with my SARv3

cheers,
Nick.

Balmar I'm sure of (they said No Way), Ample was right at the line- I'll check again as the stock regulator only has 4 settings. (15.5V max). Current's a little higher than yours but not much. As is with 4.0V/Cell being max, 15.5 works out to 3.875V/Cell. IMO a little undercharging gives me some "headroom".

[s/v Jedi]

So, what is the max. field current for your alternator? That info should be easy to get from them.

cheers,
Nick.

[S&S]

Originally Posted by s/v Jedi

So, what is the max. field current for your alternator? That info should be easy to get from them.

cheers,
Nick.

15A. I'm always a little leery about running things 'right at the design limit. (Especially since most of the time the field current will be at "wide open")

The question to Ample is: Can I run this full blast all the time?

Just called and left a message.

[s/v Jedi]

I would just do it and measure temperature of the output stage using my nifty remote IR meter. If it gets above 60 degrees Celsius all the time, I would add cooling with a heatsink or a small fan. I can understand it when that 15A rating is not for continuous duty because for "regular" battery chemistry, it will come down much sooner. But my regulator doesn't get hot at all so it might just be fine as it is.

cheers,
Nick.

[Journeyman]

Nick,

I am wondering what charging output do you acutally see on each of your twin Lestek 210As at an engine idle rpm of say 1,250 rpm (2,500 rpm alternator?), when your bank is discharged down, say 50%.

What current do you measure out of each alternator initially? After 15 mins? After 30 mins? After 60 mins?

I am thinking of substituting for my 90A Hitachi factory alternator on my new Yanmar 3JH5, a small case alternator nominally rated at 180A, and adding a secondary large case alternator on the other side of the engine that is rated nominally at 210A.

To mount the 210A I will try to use Yanmar's own secondary alternator bracket running twin 1/2" V belts, that they developed for a 130A.

The question is whether your 210A alternators are really a significant low rpm improvement over just adding a second small case 180A. Note, I am only interested in low rpm performance.

The manufacturer says to expect about 110-120A at 1,250 rpm in moderately hot engine comparment air after 30 mins for the 180A.

My other option is to wait for MasterVolt to work out an Alternator and Voltage Regulator combination suitable for fast charging their new 320AH/12V LiIon batteries. But for safety reasons I wonder if this will be a significant improvement over today's technology. It appears they will have a tight coupling between their alternator and battery, that may conservatively throttle back charging.

Thank you,
Journeyman