Linking batteries and Alternator's

[rjh]

Linking batteries and Alternator\'s

Wonder if I use a Guess style switch with twin engine's and alternator's and link both alternator's and battery bank's together while engine's are running, could the alternator's damage each other?- What I am getting at is if they are simply linked together while running. Not turning the switch at the wrong time. Thank's. Bob

 

[alb40]

Re: Linking batteries and Alternator\'s

I have a twin setup with 2 banks of batteries. The Two alternators both join to a common positive terminal on the switch. Both of them can share either or both of the banks of batteries.

They havent blown up yet, so it must be ok ! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[rjh]

Re: Linking batteries and Alternator\'s

thank's for the input!. Anyone else have an idea or comment?

 

[ccscott49]

Re: Linking batteries and Alternator\'s

That's the normal way with two alternators, they will share the load.
Mines completely different, but we wont go into that!

 

[halcyon]

Re: Linking batteries and Alternator\'s

I do not like spliting alternators from there engine batteries, prefer to see them perminantly connected. All you need then is a bi-directional voltage controlled relay between the two battery banks. The engine with the higher charge level will then link over to the lower battery. If a alternator fails, the good alternator will link over to charge the faulty ones battery. By fitting the correctly rated relay you can use it for link starting, if you have a low battery.
This means that with the worst option, a switch failure, each alternator charges it's own battery, and there is no need to manually operate a switch.
Will linking the two banks together with the two alternators be a problem ?. We supplied Sealine and other builders with a two alternator, three battery bank charging system which linked the two alternaters. We supplied around 1000 plus systems, and never had a problem.

Brian