battery charging
Submitted: Tuesday, Nov 13, 2007 at 20:12
ThreadID:
51571
Views:
2290
Replies:
4
FollowUps:
4
This Thread has been Archived
pojo
I have a 3.2did pajero fitted with dual batteries what i whan/t to know is if i hook my 3stage 15amp charger upto my generator and also leave my motor running will the battery charge up any quicker or does one overide the other.
Reply By: lifeisgood - Tuesday, Nov 13, 2007 at 22:01
Tuesday, Nov 13, 2007 at 22:01
Good question! As the battery voltage rises you would expect less current to be absorbed quickly (less amps going in)
I would imagine that the vehicle alternator output at idle is not huge. Whereas the 3 stage charger would probably deliver 15 amps for a while if the battery is down. It would also be considerably more fuel efficient to use the generator.
I dont think running both engines is going to help much.
The 3 stage charger will also bring the battery up to FULL charge so I would just stick with that. Cheers
AnswerID:
271591
Reply By: Derek from Affordable Batteries & Radiators - Tuesday, Nov 13, 2007 at 22:06
Tuesday, Nov 13, 2007 at 22:06
It would also depend on the battery and type of isolator you have.
Time is also a BIG factor here.
AnswerID:
271596
Follow Up By: Ozboc - Wednesday, Nov 14, 2007 at 07:18
Wednesday, Nov 14, 2007 at 07:18
As Derek has suggested , it also depends on your isolator , My one will not start to charge my other batteries until my main crank battery is at full capacity - only then will it close the circuit to charge the other batteries. ( and keeps the charge circuit closed even when not charging ,untill the main battery drops below a certain voltage)
perhaps if your going
camping for days at a time - you should look into a solar panel to keep your aux batteries topped up ? Much quieter and does the work without you having to remember to turn the generator off after a few hours
Boc
FollowupID:
534626
Reply By: Boobook2 - Wednesday, Nov 14, 2007 at 07:22
Wednesday, Nov 14, 2007 at 07:22
You should never charge a Battery from a Battery Charger when you have the Alternator connected, running or not.
You could blow your alternator by doing this.
You could disconnect the second battery and charge that with the charger and use the Alternator to charge the 1st battery.
AnswerID:
271634
Reply By: Robin Miller - Wednesday, Nov 14, 2007 at 08:15
Wednesday, Nov 14, 2007 at 08:15
Following on from other replies you would have to describe your dual battery setup and also which charger you have otherwise you can only get a generic answer.
If batteries were in parallel then general answer would be that it would not charge slower and probably faster as each system reacts to the current battery conditions.
Without knowing the system the general advice would be to not have the engine running when charging via 3 stage.
(I sometimes do - but only because I know the electronics of my own setup )
AnswerID:
271641
Follow Up By: pojo - Wednesday, Nov 14, 2007 at 09:06
Wednesday, Nov 14, 2007 at 09:06
The second battery is a 75amp absorbed power glass mat with isolater fitted between original cranking battery a 110 amp. thanks too all for your input . I just thought that with the charger and the motor running it may charge the battery quicker
FollowupID:
534648
Follow Up By:- Wednesday, Nov 14, 2007 at 10:50
Wednesday, Nov 14, 2007 at 10:50
I would not use them together. I recon most efficient way if you like charge your batteries as quick as possible is disconnect them and charge main by alternator and supplemental by generator.
Cheers
Serg
FollowupID:
534660
Follow Up By: Robin Miller - Wednesday, Nov 14, 2007 at 11:53
Wednesday, Nov 14, 2007 at 11:53
Where it works best is using the external charger to fully charge the batteries quickly which can take a long time in a car with 14v only and then less as alternator voltage drops as soon as it warms up.
In same manner I sometimes connect up a small solar panel straight across battery connected in car.
Robin Miller
FollowupID:
534667