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Topic: A smarter regulator for the alternator (Read 2068 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: A smarter regulator for the alternator

Reply #50 –
Larry,

The smart regulators (we used them on our sailboats) do two things-- one probably not of as much interest in a power boat:

Shorten recharge time, as they start in BULK mode/higher voltage and amperage.  Particularly on offshore passages where fuel was not available, this was a real advantage.  Of lesser import but still significant was reduced recharge time while at anchor.  Particularly in the Abacos, Bahamas where we have spent several winters, diesel was $5/gallon and we dingied it out to the boat, conserving diesel was important.

The other thing a smart regulator help with is to reduce voltage to FLOAT level once batteries are fully charged.  Yes, it will extend battery life.  Can't tell you by how much.  Was happy to have it when becalmed in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico so motored for 49 hours straight.

On a motorhome, we are probably into "fine tuning".  A place gear heads will probably go.

On our Foretravel I achieved much of the second attribute by replacing the diode-based isolator with a Perko marine ON-OFF switch.  Alternator output and chassis battery to one lug (so chassis battery always charged when engine running).  House battery to other lug.  Switch off= chassis battery charged, house battery "rests".  Switch on, both batteries charged and no loss due to diode-based isolator. Of value in extending house battery life, particularly when driving all day and staying in CG's each night.  Why "hard time" a house battery bank at 14+ VDC all day when there is little or no draw on it.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: A smarter regulator for the alternator

Reply #51 –
Brett, You are correct. We were a motor all the time boat. And, we had a 700 gallon fuel tank. During our three and four month trips to the Bahamas we never had to purchase fuel. Our fuel burn was 1 1/2 gallons per hour.

We also had an 8 kw Westerbeke diesel generator. We had a 40 amp smart charger for the house bank and a 60 amp smart charger for the inverter bank. Our inverter was 2000 watt, no charger. The engine alternators were 70 amp and 130 amp.

Like I said, our set up was like the Foretravel setup. I see no need to  "fine tune" the electrical system on the Foretravel.

As you have stated, during long runs the batteries on all banks were being charged. However, in our 12 years of long range cruising I never saw any detrimental affect on the batteries. I may have just been lucky.

I have Nigel Calder's and Charlie Wing's electrical books and am familiar with all the high-tech regulators and alternators available for the marine environment. I just never had a real world need for those items.

Larry
Larry and Terry
Ex 2004 U270 36'

Re: A smarter regulator for the alternator

Reply #52 –
Larry,
I had it with me, but I sold it to John H. for the Forum price (and no sales tax) since I had decided to wait until I got back to Pio Pico to put it in anyway. Actually lost a few bucks on the deal and California will benefit because I will have ended up paying tax twice, but what the heck... John was incredibly generous in letting me use his pit and great company to boot. I will get another one when I get back to SD from Alan of Bay Marine Supply. Also getting some new 4-0 battery cables etc. from him for my inverter install. Of course I will post when I get around to those projects.
Don
Quote from: lgshoup –
OK, Don, have you installed the smart charger and how is it working out. Did it go as easily as the on-line directions?
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Don & Tys
1999 U270 3602 WTFE #5402
Xtreme Stage 1 w/Headlight, Step Conversion, etc.
2009 Honda Fit Sport with Navi
Freedom is NOT "just another word for nothing left to lose"... with apologies to Kris Kristofferson

Re: A smarter regulator for the alternator

Reply #53 –
Larry,

Nigel Calder is a very interesting character.  He pretty much speced a custom built a Pacific Seacraft sailboat.  We custom built two of their boats-- both Crealock 37's.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: A smarter regulator for the alternator

Reply #54 –
Quote from: wolfe10 –

On our Foretravel I achieved much of the second attribute by replacing the diode-based isolator with a Perko marine ON-OFF switch. 

I installed one of these in place of the Diode-based isolator: Combiner 160 Sheet

It also has built in over-voltage protection for the gel batteries. If a switch is added, one can also force the relay to close or force it to stay open.

Another benefit is it will charge the coach batteries when the house batteries are being charged on shore power.
1998 U270 34'
 

Re: A smarter regulator for the alternator

Reply #55 –
Quote from: krush –
I installed one of these in place of the Diode-based isolator: Combiner 160 Sheet

It also has built in over-voltage protection for the gel batteries. If a switch is added, one can also force the relay to close or force it to stay open.

Another benefit is it will charge the coach batteries when the house batteries are being charged on shore power.

Looks good to me.
Tom Lang K6PG (originally  KC6UEC)
and Diane Lang
2003 38 U295 build 6209
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Ecodiesel
still have tow-ready 2006 Acura MDX 
Temple City, California
Motorcade 16681 California Chapter President
SKP 16663 member of SKP Park of the Sierra, Coarsegold California
FMCA F071251
Retired electrical and electronic engineer