Alternator to Battery Chargers Forums

DABurleigh

I'd be interested to hear from anyone with personal experience of using or fitting a Sterling alternator to battery charger:
http://www.sterling-power.com/htm/ab1290.htm
or any similar product.

Thanks,

Dave

MandyandDave

Dave,.. thats a great looking piece of kit...I have to ask is it for your van?

DABurleigh

M&D

Only mulling it as an option at present. I can foresee wildcamping (or simply motoring) occasions when I will be caning the domestic batteries and would rather not connect a genny (though I would be able to charge at 50A from it), nor drive for ages to replenish them.

I am unaware of similar products to this one.

Dave

rapido

Dave that looks great, what is the cost of it with the shunts,
Eddie
Very Happy

DABurleigh

Eddie,

MandyandDave

Dave have you got room for 3 leisure batts, or are you considering mods on your van to accomodate them?

2X200 watt shunts!!! Confused

I have a 120watt shunt regulator,which protects the batteries (X4) from overcharging.

It also protects other electronic equipment from damage due to high batt. voltage, it does this by heat dissipation, when maximum voltage is reached, this method of regulation ensures that the solar array up on the roof, can remain 'on load' at all times.

I see no reference to other forms of charging other than the unit itself, wind/solar power or whatever, 2x 200 seems 'expensive overkill'?

I may be entirely wrong Dave, but thought it needed pointing out! Surprised

DABurleigh

[quote:dd79f8d093]The Digital Regulator calculates the high charger rate based on the following information:
1) Battery bank size. 2) Battery bank charger condition. 3) Current output. These three criteria dramatically affect the charge rate settings of the digital unit.[/quote:dd79f8d093]

M&D,

The shunts are there merely to sense and display the current, not to protect the batteries. Rather this is done by software control, either via the optional remote or when the system is installed (see above quote).

Before I would consider purchasing such a unit I would naturally check the standard alternator charging current into the domestic batteries as a function of time, or the net charge or drain when under constant load (for example when running mains roof aircon when motoring).

Dave

DABurleigh

Here's an alternative approach .....

[img:bcbb3c7687]http://www.mobilehomestead.com/facts/factpi cs/altrig.jpg[/img:bcbb3c7687]
Dave

BillD

I wonder what they are cooking????