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electrical:12v:alternator_details

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electrical:12v:alternator_details [2022/04/26 12:30]
frater_secessus created 		electrical:12v:alternator_details [2022/05/20 23:32]
frater_secessus [types of alternator]
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-===== common types of alternator =====+===== types of alternator =====
  
 **Standard alternators** are the simplest model like the 14.0v model in the example above.  They are called //internally-regulated// because the voltage regulator is built into the alternator itself.  **Standard alternators** are the simplest model like the 14.0v model in the example above.  They are called //internally-regulated// because the voltage regulator is built into the alternator itself. 
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   * a normal regulator physically mounted elsewhere   * a normal regulator physically mounted elsewhere
-  * the vehicle's computer (ECU) +  * the vehicle's computer (ECU) - voltage will likely vary somewhat 
-  * an aftermarket regulator, like Balmar+  * an aftermarket regulator, like Balmar - voltage often provides [[electrical:12v:charging|multistage (smart) charging]] 
 + 
 +**Smart alternators** are designed to support fuel mileage efforts.  Voltage might plummet during full accelleration (to free up engine power) then spike quite high in other conditions.  This wide variance means a DC-DC charger is required.  Note:  some smart alternators have a setting that allows them to be function like a standard alternator.  
 + 
 +**Heavy duty / high output alternators** - any of the above alternators can be build in heavy duty configuration, which typically connotes: 
 + 
 +  * higher current rating 
 +  * increased internal cooling (ie, more or better fans) 
 +  * ability to make more power in idling scenarios, which is useful for police vehicles, ambulances, and other vehicles that need to idle for long periods of time.  
 + 
 +HD alternators for any particular vehicle are typically bolt-in with no modifications required.  They do cost somewhat more.   The labor cost would remain the same so some people choose to upgrade the alternator when/if the OEM one fails.  
 + 
 +===== DUVAC ===== 
 + 
 +Some older RVs come with DUVAC (DUal Voltage Alternator Control)((https://www.countrycoachforums.com/index.php?PHPSESSID=3ggkjl41c5lrkrerduih87oeif&topic=6840.msg34665#msg34665)) setups, which use separate voltage-sense wires for the house bank.   
 + 
 +> This Duvac system that Leese Neville came up with was a completely integrated dual battery/isolator setup that was “state-of-the-art” in ’99((diode-based isolators)) but soon was obsoleted by newer better technology.((voltage-sensing relays and DC_DC chargers))((https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?PHPSESSID=bs0n0psbr6rrvd240rv4ijvg1p&topic=33250.msg432529#msg432529)) 
 + 
 +{As far as I can tell this was a workaround from when many isolators were diode-based so the alternator could not "see" aux battery voltage on the combined circuit((https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?PHPSESSID=bs0n0psbr6rrvd240rv4ijvg1p&topic=33250.msg300875#msg300875)) -- secessus}  See [[https://www.dixie-electric.com/tsb/TSB_704.pdf|this TSB]]. (PDF) 
 + 
 + 
  
-**Smart alternators** 
  
-**Heavy duty / high output alternators** 
  
  
electrical/12v/alternator_details.txt · Last modified: 2024/03/29 19:48 by frater_secessus

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