| What to do before installing a high output alternator • Seek the advice of your engine supplier. • The engine to alternator pulley diameter ratio determines at what engine rpm the alternator will begin to charge. If the alternator is required to deliver a substantial output at low engine rpm, check that the engine has sufficient reserve power at low rpm. • Most batteries should not be charged at a rate exceeding 30% of their Ah capacity (example: 120 A max. charge current for 400 Ah battery bank). A high charge rate will reduce service life. If a high charge rate is nevertheless required, always apply temperature compensation, which will lower the charge voltage when the temperature of the battery increases. • One or more high output alternators and a sizeable battery bank plus DC-AC inverters can replace an AC generator. Our book 'Energy Unlimited' explains how data about the expected daily energy consumption can be used to determine battery capacity and engine-alternator run hours. The book is available free of charge and can also be downloaded from our website www.victronenergy.com. • There are many ways to charge two or more battery banks with one alternator, and to isolate the battery banks from each other when one or more are being discharged. You may install Victron Diode or FET battery isolators, Cyrix microprocessor controlled battery separators or the Duo Charge from Balmar, please see the relevant datasheets and Tech Info pages on www.victronenergy.com. |