Sterling alternator regulator on new Beta 14

[morgandlm]

Further to a recent similar post, I too am in the process of changing my old Bukh for a new Beta 14. On the old engine I had a Sterling advanced alternator regulator and found it very effective getting charge into batteries without much engine running. I am advised that fitting a Sterling alternator regulator to a new engine invalidates the warranty on the alternator because it makes the alternator work harder than "designed". My current intention is to commission the new engine and ensure that everything operates ok for a few weeks and then install the regulator. Can anybody share any experience of having done this and whether there were any implications? The Beta 14 has a 40 A alternator as standard so I think I need to make it work. I note some earlier comments about modern alternators putting out more volts than older ones but the benefit of using an advanced regulator is surely more to do with the sensing of the battery voltage otherwise why is the alternator considered to be working harder?
David Morgan

 

[Boater Sam]

Further to a recent similar post, I too am in the process of changing my old Bukh for a new Beta 14. On the old engine I had a Sterling advanced alternator regulator and found it very effective getting charge into batteries without much engine running. I am advised that fitting a Sterling alternator regulator to a new engine invalidates the warranty on the alternator because it makes the alternator work harder than "designed". My current intention is to commission the new engine and ensure that everything operates ok for a few weeks and then install the regulator. Can anybody share any experience of having done this and whether there were any implications? The Beta 14 has a 40 A alternator as standard so I think I need to make it work. I note some earlier comments about modern alternators putting out more volts than older ones but the benefit of using an advanced regulator is surely more to do with the sensing of the battery voltage otherwise why is the alternator considered to be working harder?
David Morgan

The alternator will not work harder than its design allows but it will charge the batteries better due to it not shutting down too soon.
You don't say which Sterling unit, most needed an extra wire installing on the working brush in the alternator, see Sterlings instructions.

 

[Bobc]

If you fit an A to B charger instead, you don't have to modify the alternator wiring.

 

[noelex]

The alternator will not work harder than its design allows but it will charge the batteries better due to it not shutting down too soon.

Adding an external regulator will bypass the internal regular so it is altering the design, but even without doing this it possible to overheat an alternator with a large (especially lithium) bank. They are not designed for continuous production at their rated output.

However, the risk with a relatively modest 40A alternator and a small lead acid battery bank is small.

The better regulators incorporate temperate protection for the alternator that if correctly set will prevent alternator overheating, but I don’t think the early Sterling models had this feature.

Keeping the engine in stock condition for the early runs when teething problems tend to show up is sensible, but thereafter adding the Sterling regulator is unlikely to drive the alternator too hard unless you have a lithium house bank.

 

[VicS]

Further to a recent similar post, I too am in the process of changing my old Bukh for a new Beta 14. On the old engine I had a Sterling advanced alternator regulator and found it very effective getting charge into batteries without much engine running. I am advised that fitting a Sterling alternator regulator to a new engine invalidates the warranty on the alternator because it makes the alternator work harder than "designed". My current intention is to commission the new engine and ensure that everything operates ok for a few weeks and then install the regulator. Can anybody share any experience of having done this and whether there were any implications? The Beta 14 has a 40 A alternator as standard so I think I need to make it work. I note some earlier comments about modern alternators putting out more volts than older ones but the benefit of using an advanced regulator is surely more to do with the sensing of the battery voltage otherwise why is the alternator considered to be working harder?
David Morgan

There are two reasons why the warranty might be invalidated. The fact that fitting the Sterling regulator requires adding an extra connection internally and perhaps increasing the output.

There may be little or nothing to gain by fitting the Sterling regulator to a modern alternator.

Once you have installed the new engine measure he maximum voltage achieved. If it comes close to the figures in the Sterling instruction manual there will be nothing to gain by fitting the Sterling regulator

 

[Tranona]

There is no need with the latest type alternators which already charge at the higher regulated voltage that the Sterling mimics in older alternators.. If you keep your battery bank above the recommended 50% SOC the alternator will output as much as the battery can accept. Even with a near flat battery you will hardly need the full output. I assume with a small engine like that you do not have a large domestic bank.