Smart Alternator Regulators

[Chris_Stannard]

I am thinking about this as my boat has quite a heavy load, although it has corresponingly big batteries. A battery expert did not seem to think they are worthwhile whereas the local electrical shop swears by them, but he sells them.

At the boat show there seemed to be a standard model and a more swept up version, which was of course more expensive, which monitored the battery temperature.

Has anyone any experience? Do they work? Do they damage or limit the battery life? And which are the good makes if any?

Many thanks inb advance

Chris Stannard

 

[dickh]

Go to adverc.com they do the adverc range, I have an early version badged TWC - appears to work fine - they are very helpful at Adverc and will send all info etc.
Dickh

 

[billmacfarlane]

Don't think much of your battery expert Chris . I think they are excellent devices as they charge your batteries to a much higher level than an alternator. There's been many threads about this subject already . Have a search.
Personally I used a TWC on my last boat for 10 trouble free years charging 2 batteries. The last batteries lasted 8 years and were still going strong when I sold the boat. My latest boat has a Sterling charger . Ardverc are the other main company. Technically there are differences between them . I wouldn't have a boat without one.

 

[Nigelhg]

We have the sterling regulators fitted to both engines in our boat and I would highly recommend them. They charge the battery up a lot more than the standard alterator did. This is actually meant to be good for the batteries and should prolong their life.

 

[kgi]

Chris, i know you can get gear through west marine out of the US and they do a range of external regulators by balmar, top of the range version has a "soft ramp" where your alternater is not trying to charge the batteries while you are cranking the engine,also does bulk,float mode etc yes they aregood top of the range is not cheap but they work great, just one thing if you have halogen lights onboard the higher charging voltage plays havoc with the life of the bulbs cheers keith

 

[Guest]

I fitted an Adverc a couple of years ago. It overrides the existing voltage regulator, charges in short alternating phases of near-gassing voltage (14.4v) and a lesser 'resting' voltage, and senses the charging voltage at the battery (to avoid line voltage drop when measuring). It is therefore supposed to charge much more quickly (which I think it does) and also prolong battery life because the average charge state of the battery is therefore higher (I couldn't confirm this). I would recommend it, it's easy to fit.

 

[drawp]

Chris, I endorse Bill Macfarlane's comment that he would not have a boat without one. I reckon they are the best invention since bottled beer. I had a TWC for 10 years and now have an Advec. If you have an ammeter, you can watch the thing working. Once the charging current drops from the high rate of charge to a much lower rate, you know that the battery is pretty much charged and it is time to shut down that 'orrible, hot, noisy, smelly engine.

 

[philip_stevens]

I've got a the bottom end Driftgate 2000 (www.dg2k.co.uk) fitted to my Konsort. It charges two batteries coupled by relays energised from the alternator charge light. There has been much said against coupling batteries in this way, but in 14 years I have yet to find any adverse reason for it. Also, the boat goes on charter, and in the years it has been on charter, no charterer has suffered from flat batteries.

I sent my charge controller unit back to DG2K last year to have the software updated to a soft ramp charge start. This means that no great load is initially put on the drive belt but is a gentle start to charging.

But yes, fit a boost charge controller. The choice though, is yours as to which one. All do a better job than the basic alternator regulater.

regards,
Philip

 

[alan]

Chris,
One thing people seem to overlook is: how do I recover from a battery sensed regulator failure?
The Adverc Mk 4a for example is connected in parallel with the alternator internal (machine sensed) regulator and in the event of a failure of either, the other takes over. Also the Adverc is a controller not a booster and will not harm your batteries. I have spent the last few weeks studying what is available on the market, and I think the Adverc is best value for money and a big plus is the failure mode described above. It's no fun in a force 8 having to try and rewire your alternator to battery connections!!!
The Adverc is available from Merlin Equipment in Poole (Tel: 01202 697979). Adverc also will send a useful technical/education data pack, which can be requested via their web site: www.adverc.co.uk.

Alan Cloke
Nettuno, Italy.

P.S. : I have no connection with Adverc, just I think it is best available.

Alan Cloke

 

[Chris_Stannard]

Many thanks to all of you for the advice. Will go ahead with the smart charger.



Chris Stannard