Anyone have any experience with a Sterling Alternator to battery charger? What are they supposed to do? Are they worth the trouble and the expense?
I'm sure Roger will chime in:
600 AH Lithium Battery Installation (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=37729.0)
No experience with Sterling. Just installed a Victron 30 amp B2B. It keeps the lithium house batteries from demanding too much from your alternator while running down the road.
Here is a link to a post about my charging system upgrade project which includes the 210AMP version of the Sterling Alternator to Battery Charger, and a picture of the completed pull up panel it is mounted on, which is located in the cavity at the foot of the bed.
Charging System project (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=34545.0)
Don
Don, to support the additional 210A load what alternator do you have installed?
The 210A A2B instructions recommend a max 210A Alternator but there is some wiggle room, i.e.; a 225A alternator would probably be fine. I currently have a 160A Prestolite. Having a lower rated alternator is not a problem, or at least hasn't been for me. My batteries are generally not lower than about 75% SOC, so the A2B typically goes right into float mode.
Don
I had one of these but never installed it. I sold it when I did my Lithium conversion. It needs to be in a waterproof area as Don installed his. It will take the full output of your alternative and adjust voltages and current to a 4 stage charge profile for your batteries. They charge faster and it is easier on the batteries. As I read the description these do not limit the current to the batteries nor do they seem to have a lithium charge profile. If you need those consider a Battery to Battery charger from Sterling or Victron. Bat Marine only has the 12v / 130 amp version available today.
See Sterling Power Alternator-to-Battery Chargers (https://baymarinesupply.com/sterling-power-alternator-to-battery-chargers.html)