How to connect windcharger to batteries?

[retsina]

I have installed a Rutland 913 with a regulator with one connection to the positive side of the battery. I have two batteries each one fitted a master isolator swich ie two batteries and two master isolator swiches. I can therefore have either battery on or both on.

I have connected the cable specified from the regulator to the positive of the battery. This means that only one battery will be charged?. Do i need to have the master swiches on so that both batteries will be charded? Or do i need to connect the two battery positives together to ensure that both batteries are charged;( if I do this then i will be by passing the master swiches i suppose). What is the best way for charging two batteries and still have the benefit of being able to isolate each battery.Any suggestions please?

 

[VicS]

You will only be charging one battery, the one it is connected to.

If you close both isolators you will be charging both but then you have power on to all the whole ship. You will also suffer from all/any problems that might be associated with having two batteries in parallel.

You could fit another switch between the positives but that leaves all the problems with batteries commoned.

The best solution is a regulator/ splitter that will allow the wind generator to charge both. They exist and a trawl around the windcharger websites will find them. Maybe someone will recommend one or provide a link.

 

[prescott56]

my solution was to buy a Stirling battery to battery charger. not cheap but simple installation and works very very well.

regards
Roy

 

[PembrokeshirePromise]

For a price - something like this from Rutland does exactly what you are after (and more I suspect)

http://www.yachtbits.com/rutland_marlec/rutland_hrdx_voltage_controller.php

 

[VicS]

[ QUOTE ]
something like this from Rutland does exactly what you are after

[/ QUOTE ] That's what I had in mind and is the one recommended by Marlec for use with the Rutland 913. It will also accept up to 100watts input from solar panels

Full spec on the Marlec website http://www.marlec.co.uk/hrdxspec.htm

 

[Spars]

I connected my Rutland to the domestic batteries (2) as they are used the most.
The starter batt. gets charged as the engine starts and is only used for that purpose, this gives two independant set ups but can switched over by the main isolation switch if required.

 

[William_H]

A simple but not necessarily good connection would be to get a double pole switch. ie 2 switches in one. Connect one end of the 2 switches to the gen regulator and the other individual contacts to each battery +ve. When you leave the boat, turn off the isolation switches for both batteries and operate the charge switch. This will connect both battery positives together and to the charger.
(don't forget to fit fuses at the batteries)

The ideal set up would be to use 2 diodes to feed, but isolate the batteries. But being regulated to precisely the voltage you want addition of diodes would reduce the voltage so reduce charging.
So unless you can increase the voltage of the regulator (or get a regulator with 2 outputs) then just as in charging from an engine driven alternator you have to use a VSR. Voltage sensing relay. to connect the 2 batteries together when charging.

good luck olewilll

 

[Sy-Revolution]

And what are the problems associated with batteries 'commoned'?

 

[[10753]]

I have 913 with HRDX charging one engine battery and two domestic batteries. Worked fine for last 5 years.

 

[VicS]

[ QUOTE ]
And what are the problems associated with batteries 'commoned'

[/ QUOTE ] I think I said that not William_H.
Only possible problems, chiefly that if one battery failed it could not only take all the charge from the generator but also run the other battery down as well. You could then find yourself with two flat batteries and no way to start the engine. An inconvenience if you are on your own mooring but a more serious problem if you are in a far away anchorage perhaps.
One of those things that could fall into the "If it can happen it will happen" category.