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electrical:12v:alternator_details [2023/10/09 10:17] frater_secessus [dual alternators] |
electrical:12v:alternator_details [2023/11/07 11:25] frater_secessus [voltage] |
A separate alternator (see below) is not required to use external regulation but that is a common scenario. If one externally regulates the vehicle's sole alternator the chassis could be exposed to higher or lower voltages than it was designed for. | A separate alternator (see below) is not required to use external regulation but that is a common scenario. If one externally regulates the vehicle's sole alternator the chassis could be exposed to higher or lower voltages than it was designed for. |
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Common external regulators include: | External regulators include: |
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* Balmar ARS-5 (no external voltage sensing) | * Balmar ARS-5 (no external voltage sensing) |
* Xantrex Xar (no external voltage sensing) | * Xantrex Xar (no external voltage sensing) |
* Wakespeed WS500 (CANBUS) | * Wakespeed WS500 (CANBUS) |
| * [[https://theyachtrigger.com/arco-zeus-alternator-regulator/|Arco Zeus]] - new to market |
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=== tricking the regulator === | === tricking the regulator === |
=== thermal switches === | === thermal switches === |
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In [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjeHJd6OO2Y&lc=Ugyusa6wH9p3jNMKbmh4AaABAg.9m5OeSgBRtB9m5UO1ANIfF|a comment]] on [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjeHJd6OO2Y|an excellent video about charging lithium from the alternator]] WorkingOnExploring talks about adding overtemp protection with: | In [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjeHJd6OO2Y&lc=Ugyusa6wH9p3jNMKbmh4AaABAg.9m5OeSgBRtB9m5UO1ANIfF|a comment]] on [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjeHJd6OO2Y|an excellent video about charging lithium from the alternator]] WorkingOnExploring talks about adding overtemp protection with a thermal switch (a small bimetallic switch):((see [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kF4Yxo9C9DM|this teardown and demo video]] on youtube)) |
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>> [[https://amzn.to/3luTwwx|a KSD9700 120C]], normally closed thermal switch epoxied to your alternator case. That way, if some abnormal event occurred and the alternator overheated, it could deactivate the [combiner] till the alternator cooled. It would likely cost less than $20 to install this thermal safety. | >> [[https://amzn.to/3luTwwx|a KSD9700 120C]], normally closed thermal switch epoxied to your alternator case. That way, if some abnormal event occurred and the alternator overheated, it could deactivate the [combiner] till the alternator cooled. It would likely cost less than $20 to install this thermal safety. |
The idea here is to run the relay's control circuit((manual or D+ wire, //not// the charging wire)) through the **N**ormally-**C**losed((ie,circuit completed)) thermal switch. When the switch hits the defined temperature the circuit opens((breaks)) and power to the combiner is cut off; house bank charging from the alternator is stopped. The switch will typically reset when temperature drops by ~25%; read the datasheet for your switch for specific details. | The idea here is to run the relay's control circuit((manual or D+ wire, //not// the charging wire)) through the **N**ormally-**C**losed((ie,circuit completed)) thermal switch. When the switch hits the defined temperature the circuit opens((breaks)) and power to the combiner is cut off; house bank charging from the alternator is stopped. The switch will typically reset when temperature drops by ~25%; read the datasheet for your switch for specific details. |
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The thermal switch is a tiny bimetallic device. See [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kF4Yxo9C9DM|this teardown and demo video]] (youtube). | If one had a DC with a current-limiting function ([[electrical:12v:b2b#renogy1|renogy's 20-40-60A models]], for example) or DC-DC in parallel one could use two different-spec switches to achieve staged charging. Using placeholder temps: |
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| - run an aggressive charging setup full blast |
| - at 90C engage current limiting |
| - at 120C disable charging completely |
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Note: 120C = 248F. Other temps like 90C (194F) and 100C (212C) are available and may be gentler on the alternator. Because the alternator is mounted to the block the alternator case may be at the ~same temp as the block. Check case temps when engine has been running to get a feel for how hot the case should be, preferably at the location the diodes are heat-sinked to the alternator case.((https://forums.sailboatowners.com/threads/alternator-temperature.1249925187/post-1644191)) | Note: 120C = 248F. Other temps like 90C (194F) and 100C (212C) are available and may be gentler on the alternator. Because the alternator is mounted to the block the alternator case may be at the ~same temp as the block. Check case temps when engine has been running to get a feel for how hot the case should be, preferably at the location the diodes are heat-sinked to the alternator case.((https://forums.sailboatowners.com/threads/alternator-temperature.1249925187/post-1644191)) |