Alternator regulators

[catmandoo]

I have a 30 amp Bosch and a 70 amp Motorolla alternators discharging to Diode splitters then to the battery bank

The Motorolla has its output regulated by a Sterling Advanced alternator regulator device but the Bosch has a steam age mechanical one with the Sterling making the Motorolla output at higher voltage hence the Bosch is contributing nothing to the party .

What is the best way of now ensuring both alternators regulate to the same voltage in parallel so I can get the benefit of 100 amps as well as one acting as a spare if the other fails ?
One answer is to by another Sterling device but surely there is one device on the market that can handle two or more alternators with out exposing an alternators guts to convert it

 

[pvb]

I see from an earlier post that you have a couple of 110Ah batteries as your domestic bank. This bank isn't big enough to accept 100A charge for long, so boosting both alternators won't give you an advantage unless you increase the size of the domestic bank.

As a low-cost alternative, consider wiring the output of your 30A alternator direct to your start battery. Then wire the output of your 70A alternator (with Sterling booster) direct to your domestic bank. You can then dispense with the diode splitters. If you wish, you can wire a simple switch to link the banks together in the event of one alternator failing.

 

[catmandoo]

I see from an earlier post that you have a couple of 110Ah batteries as your domestic bank. This bank isn't big enough to accept 100A charge for long, so boosting both alternators won't give you an advantage unless you increase the size of the domestic bank.

As a low-cost alternative, consider wiring the output of your 30A alternator direct to your start battery. Then wire the output of your 70A alternator (with Sterling booster) direct to your domestic bank. You can then dispense with the diode splitters. If you wish, you can wire a simple switch to link the banks together in the event of one alternator failing.

currently upgrading batteries - power supply fridge etc 250 Ah , lighting 125 Ah and starter 90 Ah so total 465 Ah. domestic 375 amh
thought about starter only but that would not allow me to use either as spare

 

[VicMallows]

thought about starter only but that would not allow me to use either as spare

Yes it would. As pvb explained you would simply parallel the starter battery to the domestic bank (if you really intend separating the domestic into 'power' and 'lighting' then you could use two switches and choose which or both).

If the 70A alternator failed, you would not have the benefit of the Sterling booster, but with the load you suggest the 30A alternator will be working flat out anyway.

Vic

 

[the far canal]

Are you sure thats how much you use? what size is your boat? when i read it I thought "far canal"! .

 

[catmandoo]

Are you sure thats how much you use? what size is your boat? when i read it I thought "far canal"! .

Use basically half as have done sums for 24 hour usage . added about 50% to allow batteries to discharge to 50% capacity to avoid discharging below safe voltage .

Boat is a Fisher motor sailer catamaran and alternators already installed , original battery capacity 400 Ah located in Turkey , fridge is biggest consumer particularly at anchorage for 2 or 3 days in 35 degrees C plus

 

[catmandoo]

Are you sure thats how much you use? what size is your boat? when i read it I thought "far canal"! .

Thank you for that expression of amazement . You will go far . You should have been with Cortez

Or like stout Cortez when with eagle eyes
He star'd at the Pacific — and all his men
Look'd at each other with a wild surmise —
Silent, upon a peak in Darien.