High-power alternators?

[snowleopard]

Can anyone who has fitted a high-power alternator tell me if they have ever seen more charging current than a standard alternator can deliver?

I have 2 x 55A alternators with an Adverc controller but the most current I have ever seen is around 35A.

The current would normally be limited by the regulator voltage and the state of charge so unless you let your batteries go completely flat these big amperages are not going to be achieved however big the alternator. Do you need to fit a special regulator to deliver a higher charging voltage?

 

[FullCircle]

I looked into Balmars for my 3YM30, but came to the conclusion that it was better in many ways to move from the standard alternator to a Hitachi LR-03C 80amp. It produces much more amps at lower revs than the standard one. I used to see about 17 amps around 1000rpm engine speed, which is over 30amps on the new one at the same engine speed.It moves through the 4 stages of charging quicker than the standard one too. So, to me, that means better fuel consumption as the engine will not be running as long for the same effort, although I grant you there is a time based elelment in max charging to the batteries.
Also, if you have a 2 alternator setup, you keep redundancy in the system.
Thirdly, in your situation, do you need a 160a Balmar charging a 70a starting battery?
The Hitachi are more economical to buy as well. I paid £82 for mine and it was a straight swap, no brackets or double belt pulleys.

 

[Piddy]

I have a bog standard Lucas alternator with a Sterling regulator charging about 600Ahr of battery bank(s).
Only when we have just disconnected the shore based charger or when we have motored longer than a few hours does the charge drop below 30A. Most of the time it is at or above 50A and if the batteries have been used extensively it will top 60A.
I think (but can't remember for sure) it is rated as a 75A alternator.

Cheers

 

[noelex]

The maximum charge rate is dependent on battery bank size, type and state of charge as well as the alternator size and regulator setting.
There is a lot of variables, but a max of 35A from 2x55A alternators is low and suggests something is wrong (only 1 alt working?)

 

[pteron]

What size and type is your battery bank? Can it accept a higher current?

If it can then its all down to how the alternator is controlled. Is the Adverc in series with the alternator regulator or does it control the alternator regulator?

If it is in series, then it probably can't do much to encourage the alternator to increase its voltage to get the current up.

 

[[2574]]

I have a Balmar 120A alternator charging a 600ah AGM battery bank. It is regulated by a maxcharge 4 stage regulator. I commonly see 70A being charged and occasionaly 90A. The regulator has temperature sensors to the batteries and the alternator, ambient temperate does seem to make a significant difference. As temperature increases the charge input decreases. The system was designed to minimise engine running time to recharge batteries. It works well.
rob

 

[Fr J Hackett]

Balmar 90A regulated by a Balmar Max charge going int 330Ah AGM bank and Red Top engine start Yanmar 3YM30. On the odd occaision that I have pushed the batteries down to below 60% charge I have seen 65-70 Amps whilst the regulator is allowing maximum charge. So it works for me.

 

[Chris_Robb]

I have a 110amp prestolite from Adverc.

Without the sterling alternator controller, it charges at a max of about 40ah giving 14Volts only (1-2-both switch). With a Sterling set at 14.8V it gives an initial charge on 4 x 110 ah bank of 80amps (75% charged batteries). On really low batteries Once only it delivered 95 amps.

Without a proper controller you will be wasting your money.

Also double your cable sizes - that made a large difference to the amps.

So answer is therefore YES