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--- electrical:12v:alt_and_solar [2023/05/24 17:41]
frater_secessus [how solar helps]
+++ electrical:12v:alt_and_solar [2024/03/31 17:05] (current)
frater_secessus [how alternator charging helps]
@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-Note:  although this page was written with alternator-augmented solar charging in mind, the general principles also apply to solar+[[electrical:shore_power|shore power charging]] and solar+[[electrical:generator|generator]] charging.
+Note:  although this page was written with alternator-augmented solar charging in mind, the general principles also apply to solar+[[electrical:shore_power|shore power charging]] and solar+[[electrical:generator|generator]] charging. Also see [[electrical:12v:power_mix|Deciding on a Power Mix]].
+> Solar and DC-DC alternator charging are going to be the best practices for maintaining charge in one's battery bank. It only requires a little math, a little discipline to stick with the math, and the right expectations about solar intake.  -- CMDR_Schrodinger((https://www.reddit.com/r/vandwellers/comments/15z8eh6/energy_management_during_trips/jxfv03f/))
-[[lifestyle:words_of_wisdom|Words of wisdom]]: "Bulk charging requires //current//. Absorption requires //relatively high voltage// and //time at that voltage//." - secessus
 ====== Augmented solar charging ======
@@ Line 27: / Line 29: @@
 From ~80% to 100% (Absorption stage) charging requires little current but a long time holding at a relatively high voltage.  So in our alt+solar scenario the alternator does the heavy lifting in the beginning then a small solar install does the light (but lengthy) work at the end.((The solar will also contribute during Bulk when the sun is shining.))
-Having a bit of solar may mean you can us a simpler/cheaper isolator rather than a more $$ [[electrical:12v:b2b|DC-DC charger]].
+Having a bit of solar may mean you can use a simpler/cheaper combiner rather than a more $$ [[electrical:12v:b2b|DC-DC charger]].
 ===== how alternator charging helps =====
@@ Line 39: / Line 41: @@
 > Use a generator or alternator to get to 85% SOC or so early in the AM, then let Solar spend all day polishing off the last 15% because that takes time more than amps. - a64pilot((https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f14/time-it-takes-to-fully-charge-batteries-238875-9.html#post3223983))
+The alternator can help meet [[electrical:12v:charging#charging_current|lead bank minimum charging current requirements]].
 ===== optimal alternator contribution =====
-Broadly speaking, //alternator charging is most effective in the morning// and //solar charging is most effective later in the day//.
+Broadly speaking, //alternator charging is most effective in the morning// and //solar charging is most effective at local solar noon//.  This pattern is most evident when using isolators/relays and/or lead chemistry batteries, and less evident when using [[electrical:12v:b2b|DC-DC chargers]] and/or lithium chemistries.
 There are several factors in play here.
@@ Line 89: / Line 93: @@
   - the Li voltage curve is very flat in the middle, so the voltage delta will be stable through the "middle 80%"
-  - for average users, Li will not have an Absorption stage in the lead-chemistry sense.((advanced users may find [[electrical:12v:electrical:12v:drop-in_lifepo4#mythlithium_doesn_t_need_absorption|exceptions]] to this general statement))
+  - for average users, Li will not have an Absorption stage in the lead-chemistry sense.((advanced users may find [[electrical:12v:drop-in_lifepo4#mythlithium_doesn_t_need_absorption|exceptions]] to this general statement))
   - Lithium is often charged with DC-DC, which charges at the ~same voltage as solar

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