BabaYaga
Well-known member
A dual sensing VSR like the one proposed will steal a quarter of an amp from the solar output (for the questionable benefit of keeping connected a starter battery that is likely already fully charged).
A dual sensing VSR like the one proposed will steal a quarter of an amp from the solar output (for the questionable benefit of keeping connected a starter battery that is likely already fully charged).
People install MPPT controllers to squeeze out maximum yield from their solar installations. In that perspective, sacrificing a quarter of an amp more or less continuously in order to counter long term self discharge of the starter battery (if that's what you referring to) seems a high price to pay, certainly so for modest solar installations.And likely to stay that way.
People install MPPT controllers to squeeze out maximum yield from their solar installations. In that perspective, sacrificing a quarter of an amp more or less continuously in order to counter long term self discharge of the starter battery (if that's what you referring to) seems a high price to pay, certainly so for modest solar installations.
I have what VicS recommends and it works a treat without any operator input. The alternator feeds directly to the main batteries. The smaller (70Ah) reserve/emergency battery is kept up to charge through the VSR and is available for starting the engine if required. That is the only time you need to switch between battery banks.Use your main battery for all purposes, including normal engine starting, and charge a smaller reserve/ emergency start battery via a VSR
I have what VicS recommends and it works a treat without any operator input. The alternator feeds directly to the main batteries. The smaller (70Ah) reserve/emergency battery is kept up to charge through the VSR and is available for starting the engine if required. That is the only time you need to switch between battery banks.
First question is does the OP have a problem during normal use, batteries around 50% discharge?,
Next question will the OP be heavely discharging his batties on a regular basis ?
Next question what is the alternator size ?
If the alternator can cope with load, either bolt both charge cables on same bolt if low batteries or buy new VSR that does the same internally, check charge circuit cable rating.
Brian
Solar is out of scope for this thread.And likely to stay that way.
Well, no its not actually. We had the same chatter when the solar was connected to the engine start battery. Solar moved to the house batteries and the problem went away.Solar is out of scope for this thread.
Solar is out of scope for this thread.
By the way, I have no solar panels on this boat. (yet) Next year we retire and I hope to take much longer trips.
There are a number of other threads dealing with VSRs and solar. The considerations for that case, I think, are somewhat different from the title of this thread.Well, no its not actually. We had the same chatter when the solar was connected to the engine start battery. Solar moved to the house batteries and the problem went away.
Pete
There are a number of other threads dealing with VSRs and solar. The considerations for that case, I think, are somewhat different from the title of this thread.
This reply will likely cause a flurry that will hijack this thread anyway, but I think I got the answer that it is not really a good idea to swap connections but instead look into the alternator size and the features of the VSR itself.
I do have the battery select switch but I think it is best to keep it in place. One consideration is it is mechanical where the VSR is electromechanical. The switch can serve as a backup.
I simplified a bit. We actually have three switches in one block: "house" "start" and "emerg. parallel".So, when you have the engine running, you have the switch set to the engine battery ?
OP here:
This is not a common issue on my boat. It does not happen unless the battery is deeply discharged. At this time that is not often but we retire next year and will start cruising much further so it may occur more often.
When I next get the chance, I will assess my alternator and cabling. It sounds like the best solution is to upgrade to a bigger alternator.
I
I simplified a bit. We actually have three switches in one block: "house" "start" and "emerg. parallel".
I see where you are going though. I need to check where the alternator attaches to the system... I may be able to connect the leisure battery to the starter and perhaps the issue will be resolved.