I am trying to figure out if my coaches old stock inverter/charger is working correctly.
The link 2000 panel shows a discharge of 278 amp hours. Two hours of gen run time I am at 158 roughly.
The charger literature states 130 amp bulk charge.
Std factory cabling. New military ends. New 8g8d MK gels. Measured capacity of 680 amp hours.
I understand it switching to accept charge at 14.10 volts which is at -75 amp hours as the charger has no battery temp input so it ramps down earlier than a later unit with the temp input but at a nominal 70 temp which is the default setting and setting the units charge efficiency at automatic 90% I do not see the rated higher charge rate.
The 160 amp alternator seems to charge the batteries much faster than the charger.
I would like to know if anyone actually gets 100-130 amp hours input to a known good set of three gel 8ds.
Link is set for type two gels which is fast charge.
I do not see an adjustable bulk charge rate in the panel.
Gen is at 110 volts minimum.
No breakers appear popped on the inverter itself unless they could be bad internally?
No one may have noticed this with this old inverter or maybe they have?
Have no access to an amp meter to go over the cabling currently as my guru buddy was rewiring a badly done Prevost marathon conversion and in a bad mood.
Marathon did fine in 1989 but the local limo companies new interior electrical work was horrible so my buddy is fixing it.
Only two thermostats where the system has four zones type stuff.
Bob,
Start out by VERIFYING that your inverter/charger is properly programmed (newer units) or "dip switches set properly" (older units).
One of the programmables is power sharing/power saving where you limit the amps of 120 VAC that can be used to charge the battery.
And, if you don't have a temperature sensor on the battery, you can also boost charge rate by telling the inverter/charger that the temperature are cool/cold.
Cabling should not be an issue, as when inverting, there are a LOT more amps moving through those wires. I would check connections-- but that is just routine.
Good info. Will check the power share. Nothing else was on this morning. Just the charger
Everything set correctly I need some inputs from other owners that they have seen anything close to the rated charge amps.
Yes, power share is one that I change more than all the others.
If on shore power, it is on its lowest setting-- that allows the use of other things on limited 120 VAC and slow charging is easier on the batteries than a fast charge.
But, if running the generator to charge, I want MAX charge rate.
Was set at 30 versus supposed to be "off"
What difference in charge rate should I see from a setting of thirty to off?
The main generator breakers have been previously enjoyed over many years and are rated at 45 amps each in my memory.
At high thirtys amp Load on the link 2000 they pop off and I have to reset them.
The handle on the left front compartment where the release for the gen door is is bent up from a lot of use it seems.
Let me see. Full charge rate diasbled. Weak breakers. Compartment handle shows severe use. Previous to the Barks owner lived in the desert. Worn flooded cell 8d's in coach. Corroded cabling ends.
Seems to match restricting the charge rate.
As usual everything needs to be compared to what was new.
Another "aha" moment? We will see.
Next change is the gen breakers. Anyone have a source for my gen?
Thanks Brett. I have been slowly testing the coach to figure out every worn or readjusted to match conditions system.
Older freedoms were 50,30,20 and off. Mine is off, 30,20 and 5. On the power share.
I bet the full charge power and bulk charging batteries and anoth load like an ac or Aqua hot electric element pops the gen breaker?
Does the charger feed off one leg of the gen? Not sure how much ac it consumes at 130 amp charge into 12v?
I would set it to the highest power share setting 50A(?) if running the generator. Not off.
Roland
30 amps (remember, we are talking about amps of 120 VAC) would certainly not limit charging,
30 amps X 120= 3600 watts. 3600 watts divided by 14 VDC= 257 amps of 14 VDC. Yes, there will be some efficiency loss, but very simply, 30 amps of 120 VAC input will NOT limit charge rate.
Now, if set on 5 amps: 5 amps X 120 VAC= 600 watts. 600 watts divided by 14 VDC= 43 amps of 14 VDC (less with efficiency loss in charger). BIG DIFFERENCE!
That is why I suggest the first step is to VERIFY how yours is set up.