I have what I believe is a pretty simple setup.

Two battery banks, a diesel engine with two alternators, various DC
powered devices (lights, starter, electronics) a generator. I don't use
the generator, the PO used it, but all my devices are DC powered.
Currently I don't have a charger, the batteries charge off of the
alternators when I am underway.

This is what I am thinking about for my winter project.

1) replace both battery banks, they are not holding a charge.

2) install a battery charger. I would like to be able to charge the
batteries while
a) hooked up to shore power
b) running the generator
c) while engine is running.

But I don't need/want any AC power. I am not adverse to AC power, I
just don't need any.

So,
any suggestions on make/model of charger?
any references to documents/diagrams?

kirwoodd wrote:
I have what I believe is a pretty simple setup.

Two battery banks, a diesel engine with two alternators, various DC
powered devices (lights, starter, electronics) a generator. I don't use
the generator, the PO used it, but all my devices are DC powered.
Currently I don't have a charger, the batteries charge off of the
alternators when I am underway.

This is what I am thinking about for my winter project.

1) replace both battery banks, they are not holding a charge.

2) install a battery charger. I would like to be able to charge the
batteries while
a) hooked up to shore power
b) running the generator
c) while engine is running.

But I don't need/want any AC power. I am not adverse to AC power, I
just don't need any.

So,
any suggestions on make/model of charger?
any references to documents/diagrams?


It doesn't sound as though your requirements are at all unusual. Any 120
volt charger that will handle your two battery banks (either a single
charger or two separate ones) should work fine. Most name brand chargers
on the market work well. The technology is well understood and quite
reliable.

Since you didn't specify a maximum charging time, you can pamper your
batteries by choosing a charger rated at say 20 amps per bank. I would
recommend a "smart charger" intended for marine use.

Your generator/shore power switch will switch the charger between shore
power and generator as needed.

Running the generator (or using shore power) while running the engine
shouldn't harm either the batteries or the charger, but surely you will
be able to shut down the generator and disconnect the shore power when
running the engine.

Of course, if your batteries are way down, you might find yourself
running the generator for quite a few hours before their charge is fully
restored. If you find that a maximum charging time really ought to be
part of your requirements, then you will need to size your charger(s)
with more care and greater capacity. The ultimate limit on charger
output will be a function of your generator capacity (unstated) and your
battery bank capacity (also unstated).

Good luck.

Chuck

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Thanks Chuck!

To answers the unstated facts.

I don't have a maximum charging time, I am in no hurry.
And on that note.... If I run the engine all day, I shouldn't need to
charge overnight right? Wont the alternators top of the batteries
during the day?


My current battery bank capacity is somewhat moot as I am replacing the
batteries. They came with the boat and are at least 6 years old. The
age is not itself a problem, but they wont hold a charge, so I am
replacing them.

My generator is SUPER old, but it was manufactured as a 4.7 kw unit.

On Dec 22, 3:48 pm, chuck wrote:
kirwoodd wrote:
I have what I believe is a pretty simple setup.

Two battery banks, a diesel engine with two alternators, various DC
powered devices (lights, starter, electronics) a generator. I don't use
the generator, the PO used it, but all my devices are DC powered.
Currently I don't have a charger, the batteries charge off of the
alternators when I am underway.

This is what I am thinking about for my winter project.

1) replace both battery banks, they are not holding a charge.

2) install a battery charger. I would like to be able to charge the
batteries while
a) hooked up to shore power
b) running the generator
c) while engine is running.

But I don't need/want any AC power. I am not adverse to AC power, I
just don't need any.

So,
any suggestions on make/model of charger?
any references to documents/diagrams?It doesn't sound as though your requirements are at all unusual. Any 120
volt charger that will handle your two battery banks (either a single
charger or two separate ones) should work fine. Most name brand chargers
on the market work well. The technology is well understood and quite
reliable.

Since you didn't specify a maximum charging time, you can pamper your
batteries by choosing a charger rated at say 20 amps per bank. I would
recommend a "smart charger" intended for marine use.

Your generator/shore power switch will switch the charger between shore
power and generator as needed.

Running the generator (or using shore power) while running the engine
shouldn't harm either the batteries or the charger, but surely you will
be able to shut down the generator and disconnect the shore power when
running the engine.

Of course, if your batteries are way down, you might find yourself
running the generator for quite a few hours before their charge is fully
restored. If you find that a maximum charging time really ought to be
part of your requirements, then you will need to size your charger(s)
with more care and greater capacity. The ultimate limit on charger
output will be a function of your generator capacity (unstated) and your
battery bank capacity (also unstated).

Good luck.

Chuck

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kirwoodd wrote:
Thanks Chuck!

To answers the unstated facts.

I don't have a maximum charging time, I am in no hurry.
And on that note.... If I run the engine all day, I shouldn't need to
charge overnight right? Wont the alternators top of the batteries
during the day?

Assuming alternators are big enough (or that battery banks are small
enough) I would generally expect that 8-10 hours of above-idle engine
running should top off the batteries nicely. This does depend on the
charger, too. A smart charger will get your batteries up to 85-90%
charge more quickly than a simple automotive-type charger. Beyond that,
both types of charger will take about the same time to get you near 100%
charge.



My current battery bank capacity is somewhat moot as I am replacing the
batteries. They came with the boat and are at least 6 years old. The
age is not itself a problem, but they wont hold a charge, so I am
replacing them.

My generator is SUPER old, but it was manufactured as a 4.7 kw unit.

Ought to handle just about any charger on the market!

Chuck

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I meant to say "smart regulator" rather than "smart charger" when
talking about charging with your alternators. Sorry for the mis-speak!

Chuck

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