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--- electrical:12v:alternator_details [2023/11/07 11:25]
frater_secessus [voltage]
+++ electrical:12v:alternator_details [2024/03/29 19:48] (current)
frater_secessus [external regulation]
@@ Line 52: / Line 52: @@
 **Externally-regulated alternators** are alternators where the regulation function is physically separated from the alternator.  There may be a stand-alone external regulator or the engine ECU may assume those duties.
-In a camper/RV context //an externally-regulated alternator// typically means an **aftermarket regulator**, like Balmar - voltage often provides [[electrical:12v:charging|multistage (smart) charging]], temperature-based derating, etc.  Read on.
+see [[electrical:12v:alternator_details#external_regulation|External Regulation]] below
-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.
-External regulators include:
-  * Balmar ARS-5 (no external voltage sensing)
-  * Balmar MC-614 (external voltage sensing)
-  * Xantrex Xar (no external voltage sensing)
-  * Wakespeed WS500 (CANBUS)
-  * [[https://theyachtrigger.com/arco-zeus-alternator-regulator/|Arco Zeus]] - new to market
 === tricking the regulator ===
@@ Line 236: / Line 226: @@
 ==== external regulation ====
-External regulation can provide overtemperature protection (see section on Heat above), and can also cause the alternator to behave like a smart charger with [[electrical:12v:charging|multistage charging]].
+External regulation can provide overtemperature protection (see section on Heat above), current limiting, and can also cause the alternator to behave like a smart charger with [[electrical:12v:charging|multistage charging]].
+In a camper/RV context //an externally-regulated alternator// typically means an **aftermarket external regulator** controlling a **dedicated secondary alternator**.((on boats there is typically one externally-regulated alternator that runs the electrics and charges the house bank.  Modern land vehicles are likely less tolerant of the alternator doing things the ECU did not command.))  Depending on the implementation external regulation might provide:
+  * configurable current levels and/or voltage setpoints
+  * [[electrical:12v:charging|multistage (smart) charging]]
+  * temperature monitoring so maximal current can be extracted without overheating
+  * RPM-based output limits
+  * slowly ramping up current to avoid belt slippage/damage
+  * shutoff when commanded by BMS
+  * CANBUS and other communication
+  * etc
+External regulators include:
+  * Balmar ARS-5 (no external voltage sensing)
+  * Balmar MC-614 (external voltage sensing)
+  * Xantrex Xar (no external voltage sensing)
+  * Wakespeed WS500 (CANBUS)
+  * [[https://theyachtrigger.com/arco-zeus-alternator-regulator/|Arco Zeus]] - new to market
+  * [[https://www.mastervolt.com/products/alpha-pro-mb-charge-regulator1/alpha-pro-iii/|Mastervolt]], more often seen in marine installs
+  * [[https://sterling-power.com/collections/alternator-regulators|Sterling]]
@@ Line 327: / Line 339: @@
+== GM ==
+Information is limited, but GM factory dual alt setups appear to run the way one would expect in the first place, with load shared between them:
+> The two alternators are controlled over a common circuit from the ECM so they cannot be controlled independently. The ECM cannot shut one down and let the other one run. It is both or neither.((https://www.duramaxforum.com/threads/dual-alternator.934098/post-11906770))
+[[https://www.duramaxforum.com/threads/dual-alternator.934098/post-11906642|This upfitters guide excerpt]] contains additional information.
 ==== DUVAC ====

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