Thursday, May 25, 2006 at 07:50
An alternative is to fit a alternator management system (AMS) to enhance the alternator output. The following is an extract from a Merlin brand AMS sold by Bainbridge Technologies
"The alternators fitted to most
vehicles are standard units designed only to
recharge an engine start battery and run a fan,
heater, wipers etc. Therefore, they are fitted with
a fixed voltage regulator designed to maintain
voltage at 14V.
Due to the internal resistance of deep cycle
batteries and voltage drop across split charging
systems; Standard alternators are incapable of
quickly and fully recharging battery banks. The
problem is exacerbated with larger battery banks
and extreme temperature fluctuations.
The AMS is designed to work alongside your
alternator's standard regulator. When required,
it will take over alternator operation to ensure
that batteries receive correct charging voltages
and maximum possible alternator current. AMS is
not a booster (which can damage the alternator)
- it is an advanced regulator that compliments
the alternator and adapts it's charge profile to
suit the needs of the specialist vehicle or cruising
vessel. The AMS ensures that the alternator
continues to work within it's design parameters -
therefore, it won't shorten engine or alternator
life."
Their site link is www.baintech.com.au
No idea how much they cost.
Cheers
AnswerID:
174608