Adverc - Functional Background

Over twenty years of study and development have gone into optimising alternator battery charging which, presently, permits only 60% - 70% state-of-charge using conventional voltage regulation.

The result is the well proven ADVERC Battery Management System.

The underlying principle is that batteries should be charged fully, quickly, safely and without damage to batteries and alternator. This is achieved, firstly, by cycling the battery voltages to an established programme, at a nominal 14.0-14.4v (12v systems) or 27.5-28.5v (24v systems).

The cycling programme is normally: 5 minutes @ 14.0 volts, followed by 15 minutes @ 14.4 volts. After four 20 minute cycles, there is a 'rest period' of up to 40 minutes i.e. at the lower voltage, depending on the battery state-of-charge and electrical duty-cycle.

These voltage values lie either side of the battery gassing voltage, ensuring rapid charging without the battery actually gassing. Voltages can also be set to suit battery types e.g. Gel, Ni-cads etc and, moreover, the charging voltages will automatically compensate for ambient temperature variations around the batteries, an important consideration.

The net result is efficient alternator performance, compensation for voltage losses in the system (including that across blocking-diodes), accompanied by considerably reduced engine running time e.g. 50%.

• NOTE: ADVERC is a controller not a booster. There is no forced feeding of the batteries. ADVERC simply creates the correct voltage climate at the batteries, which then takes what they want in terms of charging current. Heavily discharged batteries can expect and obtain a high alternator output, whilst well charged batteries will take much less.

Battery and alternator life are considerable improved but the main benefit comes from having more available battery capacity at one's disposal, two to three times, without having to install extra batteries and bigger alternators.

Twin alternators on single or twin engines can be accommodated by a single ADVERC system, making ADVERC ideal for catamarans and twin-engined motor-cruisers. Improvements in nett charging of up to 145% have been achieved.

Since 1983, ADVERC has provided a variety of solutions in the marine and automotive sectors, from Whitbread Round the World Yachts to Supermarket Trucks and Ambulances.