Marlec HRDi Regulator Issue?

[johnsilver2]

I have a Marlec HRDi regulator for my wind generator outputting to the engine start and domestic battery banks. The engine start battery is always fully charged. If there is a good wind the domestic bank charges at a normal voltage with a couple of amps output. The engine start battery voltage can be over 14 volts sometimes up to 16 volts but with negligible amps as the battery is fully charged. Is this voltage normal? I fitted a new HRDi as I thought this was an issue but the new one did the same.
If I am running the engine when the wind generator is in this state the I do get a back feed warning on my Sterling charge splitter which won’t clear unless I disconnect the -ve on the splitter. I tie off the WG when running the engine now. I assume it is the engine start battery trying to back feed the higher voltage to the domestic battery and the domestic battery is taken offline to preserve the engine start battery.
Why would I get such a high voltage on the fully charged engine battery?
I am considering using a dc to dc battery charger from the domestic battery to the engine start battery to keep it charged whilst I’m on my mooring and disconnecting the engine start battery.
I have a sterling splitter for alternator charge and a two output a/c charger but I assume a dc to dc charger would be ok but a bit of a sledge hammer to crack a wallnut given that the HRDi should split the WG charge correctly. A 9A Victron unit would be adequate and not too expensive………

 

[Caladh]

I have a Marlec HRDi regulator for my wind generator outputting to the engine start and domestic battery banks. The engine start battery is always fully charged. If there is a good wind the domestic bank charges at a normal voltage with a couple of amps output. The engine start battery voltage can be over 14 volts sometimes up to 16 volts but with negligible amps as the battery is fully charged. Is this voltage normal? I fitted a new HRDi as I thought this was an issue but the new one did the same.
If I am running the engine when the wind generator is in this state the I do get a back feed warning on my Sterling charge splitter which won’t clear unless I disconnect the -ve on the splitter. I tie off the WG when running the engine now. I assume it is the engine start battery trying to back feed the higher voltage to the domestic battery and the domestic battery is taken offline to preserve the engine start battery.
Why would I get such a high voltage on the fully charged engine battery?
I am considering using a dc to dc battery charger from the domestic battery to the engine start battery to keep it charged whilst I’m on my mooring and disconnecting the engine start battery.
I have a sterling splitter for alternator charge and a two output a/c charger but I assume a dc to dc charger would be ok but a bit of a sledge hammer to crack a wallnut given that the HRDi should split the WG charge correctly. A 9A Victron unit would be adequate and not too expensive………

Talk to Marlec techies

 

[Alex_Blackwood]

I have a Marlec HRDi regulator for my wind generator outputting to the engine start and domestic battery banks. The engine start battery is always fully charged. If there is a good wind the domestic bank charges at a normal voltage with a couple of amps output. The engine start battery voltage can be over 14 volts sometimes up to 16 volts but with negligible amps as the battery is fully charged. Is this voltage normal? I fitted a new HRDi as I thought this was an issue but the new one did the same.
If I am running the engine when the wind generator is in this state the I do get a back feed warning on my Sterling charge splitter which won’t clear unless I disconnect the -ve on the splitter. I tie off the WG when running the engine now. I assume it is the engine start battery trying to back feed the higher voltage to the domestic battery and the domestic battery is taken offline to preserve the engine start battery.
Why would I get such a high voltage on the fully charged engine battery?
I am considering using a dc to dc battery charger from the domestic battery to the engine start battery to keep it charged whilst I’m on my mooring and disconnecting the engine start battery.
I have a sterling splitter for alternator charge and a two output a/c charger but I assume a dc to dc charger would be ok but a bit of a sledge hammer to crack a wallnut given that the HRDi should split the WG charge correctly. A 9A Victron unit would be adequate and not too expensive………

As you have swopped the HRDi for a "Good" one with the same result I would suspect that something is amiss with your set up. One of these things that is impossible to diagnose on line. From what you say definitely doesn't seem right. Sorry not to be more helpful. As already suggested have a chat with Marlec.
You don't say what model your wind genny is or what type of battery (S) you are using, Just had a look at the Marlec Manual and am no wiser as to why the controller would be giving your reported outputs if correctly installed and set up. As said previously difficult to do on line.

 

[VicS]

I have a Marlec HRDi regulator for my wind generator outputting to the engine start and domestic battery banks. The engine start battery is always fully charged. If there is a good wind the domestic bank charges at a normal voltage with a couple of amps output. The engine start battery voltage can be over 14 volts sometimes up to 16 volts but with negligible amps as the battery is fully charged. Is this voltage normal? I fitted a new HRDi as I thought this was an issue but the new one did the same.
If I am running the engine when the wind generator is in this state the I do get a back feed warning on my Sterling charge splitter which won’t clear unless I disconnect the -ve on the splitter. I tie off the WG when running the engine now. I assume it is the engine start battery trying to back feed the higher voltage to the domestic battery and the domestic battery is taken offline to preserve the engine start battery.
Why would I get such a high voltage on the fully charged engine battery?
I am considering using a dc to dc battery charger from the domestic battery to the engine start battery to keep it charged whilst I’m on my mooring and disconnecting the engine start battery.
I have a sterling splitter for alternator charge and a two output a/c charger but I assume a dc to dc charger would be ok but a bit of a sledge hammer to crack a wallnut given that the HRDi should split the WG charge correctly. A 9A Victron unit would be adequate and not too expensive………

How are you measuring the 16 volts you mention? With a reliable voltmeter, or multimeter, directly on the battery terminal posts or is this just the voltage displayed on the HRDi .?
If the latter check at the battery posts and if you find any big difference check/clean /remake all the connections between the HRDi and the batteries. Including the negatives and especially any parts of the circuit which are common to both the HRDi and the Sterling splitter.

 

[ltcom]

Yes - talk to marlec. They told me what screw to turn once i had opened the controller unit to set the voltage to what i wanted - 16 V will cook your battery.
Customer service is superb.

 

[johnsilver2]

Yes - talk to marlec. They told me what screw to turn once i had opened the controller unit to set the voltage to what i wanted - 16 V will cook your battery.
Customer service is superb.

Will do if actions suggested by VicS don’t yeald any results.