Smart chargers

[clyst]

I need a decent source battery charging other than the normal alternator having a greedy boat when it comes to electricity. I'v looked at wind gennys and solar panels but consider that I need more UMPH!!I have had a"smart charger " suggested . What does the panel think ?? Are they any good ?? Are they easy to fit ?? And of course how much ?? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Thanks in anticipation

terry

 

[Norman_E]

PBO October 2007, tested alternator controllers, which is what I think you mean.

 

[William_H]

Yes your question is not clear. If you are willing to tie yourself to shore power mains 240V then a charger should fill your needs either regulated to 14v or using the stepped charge (smart) protocol.
If you don't have shore power and wish to enhance the performance of the engine driven alternator (generator) then the smart technology is the way to go.
Solar and wind are expensive and obtrusive for the power you get. So you will get more amps for your buck running the main engine or if that doesn't appeal perhaps you need a stand alone diesel generator. 240V with charger attached. But then you are really spending money. good luck olewill

 

[clyst]

Thanks for the info ref the PBO just my luck for it not to be in the shops now .
Sorry for not making my post clear what I'm after is a smart thing to increase the output of the engine alternator ----if that makes sense . Maybe i'm using the wrong terminology /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

terry

 

[donm]

I agree. I have a smart charger but do not often use marinas so no hook up most of the time. My wind charger is ok for keeping the battery topped up but that is all as it is not a serious charger, so I am going to fit an alternator regulator this winter which, I am assured by the boys in long trousers, will do the job

 

[Mudplugger]

Have a look @ the adverc website/ Sterling site et al. should give you enough info to make a decision.

 

[PeterGibbs]

Smart charger - go for it.

DIY - cando. But most sytems need small change to alternator electrics, or get electrician to do it off boat for one hour's labour

Total system professionally installed, allow 3 hours labour..

Systems, come in at about £200.

I have a system from Merlin. Costs about £200 - first rate.
More info? PM me.

PWG

 

[pvb]

\"Smart\" alternator regulators...

"Smart" alternator regulators, as sold by Adverc, Sterling, Merlin, etc, are very effective at increasing charging efficiency. They do this by increasing the charging voltage, which forces more current into the batteries. However, they require a new connection to be made inside the alternator - this means taking the alternator off and dismantling part of it (or taking it to an auto-electrician).

If you don't feel like doing this yourself, you could pay for it to be done, but you'll end up with a fairly big bill. There is an alternative system, which doesn't require you to make any new connection to the alternator. It's the Sterling Alternator-to-Battery Charger. This is much easier to fit and does the same job of increasing the charging current. It also includes a diode splitter so that two separate battery banks can be charged. The 12V 90A version (AB1290) is £199 including delivery from JG Technologies.

 

[Billjratt]

Re: \"Smart\" alternator regulators...

The smart alternator controllers will only give the max output of your existing alternator, you may need to visit the scrappy to get a bigger one in order to make a real difference. (£14 for alt, £100 for Sterling) If you're not a sparky, someone local to you may have experience, or come back on here for help.

 

[colinroybarrett]

If you have a ‘greedy boat’ wind and solar will not be enough to keep you happy when cruising! These sources will provide a little power to trickle charge over winter when you are not aboard, but nowhere like enough for acceptable living when on holiday or longer-term cruising.

Almost all (automotive) alternators are ‘machine-sensed’, they give out as much power as possible, until they reach 13.6 volts (or so – depending on temperature) there they ‘stick’

OK for a car, used on the road for some hours and then left in a nice warm garage overnight.
Not so good for a boat where the batteries will be hammered all night and then expected to start the engine again in the morning.

Check out the Adverc, Mastervolt, Heart, or Sterling Web-Sites for info on why a machine-sensed alternator is no good on a boat or Camper-Van.

It is not just a case of increasing charging current, it is the voltage applied over time that is the crucial factor when fully re-charging your batteries each day.

Minimum requirement (assuming you are not connecting up to shore power every night) is a ‘battery-sensed’ system; this requires modification to the alternator taking the regulator +ve supply directly from the battery plus additional diodes in the –ve line if needed to compensate for voltage drop if you are using a split-diode charging system. Not difficult to wire up yourself if you have a little electronics knowledge.

When we are travelling (over four months this summer) this is all we need to keep our battery banks fully charged. Along with applying, a little common sense watching TV, the electric blanket, toilet vacuum cleaner and running domestic lighting overnight etc.

We also have a Mastervolt 3-stage charger for when we are on mains power, or running the on-board generator, which is perfect for maintaining batteries if we are moored up for any long periods. Again, the above Web Sites will advise on the reasons for 3-stage charging.
One often un-mentioned benefit is the longer life of batteries using this method of charging, ours are at least five years old and still in very good condition.

 

[Krusty]

Been there, done that, so I agree with other's contributions, but add this:
If your boat is 'greedy', you should first tot up, realistically, in terms of Amp-hours, the most you are likely to drain from the batteries (include night sailing)before you are prepared to run the engine to recharge. (Literature from people like Sterling and Adverc should tell you how; otherwise get someone who is familiar with electrics and the maths to help).
That figure should not be more than half you nominal battery capacity, unless you have a deep-cycle domestic battery bank. If it is, you may have to add to your batttery capacity.
Then you might think about fitting the highest-output alternator your engine can comfortably power without belt-slip, and match the Smart charger to that.
Bearing in mind that even with a 'Smart', the alternator should not be run at close to maximum for very long: you might have to think about a multi-Vee belt and the pulleys to match.
Going for this without covering all the angles can be wasted money; but get it all right, and the result is electrical bliss!
Good Luck!