Alternator Charging - Misconceptions
Updated Friday 13/03/2009 4:30pm
Statement of fact:
With common machine sensed alternators, batteries are, in most cases, charged to only 60 - 70% of their capacity, however long the engine is running.
Q: This can’t be true, surely?
A: It is unfortunately. With the exception of average saloon cars there are innumerable cases of battery charging problems.
The typical car scenario is one where there are no heavy electrical loads or long cables. The alternator and battery are in a nice warm environment e.g. the engine compartment, with short run electrical cables between them, an ideal recipe for reasonable charging.
The moment the locations change, say on a yacht or supermarket truck, where there is distance between alternator and batteries, where the batteries can be outside and where heavy loads are common, then adequate charging is not achieved.
Q: So how do people get over this?
A: They don’t. They simply fit bigger or more batteries and higher output or additional alternators.
The effect is to obtain a 60 - 70% state of charge from more batteries, more quickly. The basic problem remains, viz. inadequate voltage regulation.
Q: So does ADVERC correct this situation?
A: Yes, by sensing the battery voltage not alternator voltage, applying the correct voltage climate at the batteries and compensating for ambient temperature changes. In cold weather, batteries need a higher charging voltage to drive the charge in. In warm to hot ambient temperatures, it is easy to ‘gas’ batteries if the voltage is not reduced.
Q: What are the benefits of charging this way?
A: Batteries last longer;
Alternators last longer;
Starter motor wear can be reduced by as much as 75% and there are generally fewer all round electrical & logistical problems.
