My Promariner is set to charge the AGM batteries at 14.1 volts and this it does when the boat is plugged in to 120v. When running, the Garmin screen also shows 14.1v. The question, is how is the charging voltage from the alternator set ? If I were to change to flooded batteries then the Promariner would have to be reset to 14.8. How then would the alternator re-act ?
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Charging Voltage Question
- Thread starter R Baker
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stwendl
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The charger can only charge one type of batteries at the same time. You should never mix dissimilar batteries like flooded and agm batteries. Both have different charge requirements and voltages. You either cook one set or undercharge the other. Usually agm batteries work at slightly higher voltages for charging than flooded. On our boats, batteries can be switched parallel which would cause some problems if those batteries are different technologies and can cause failure of batteries or even explosions. Alternators on motors are usually selected for the type of batteries they are supposed to work with and I dont think I have seen one that allows different battery profiles like the pro mariner shore power charger allows. Most alternators are not really sophisticated devices and in my opinion can cause an early demise of batteries if not properly matched. A friend of mine used to say "batteries don't die, they usually get murdered"
Levitation
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Flooded batteries will charge at 14.1 volts, just taking a bit longer to reach full charge - so you don't 'have to' change the charger setting. As is noted above do not mix the battery types as you will wind up with overcharged and undercharged batteries.
My flooded batteries in the boat are are auto store specials that were on sale and are in their 4th year now and going strong. I'm thinking I may change them out this summer and use them around the farm. With a dozen engines in use it seems there is always a battery that needs changing.
The flooded batteries in my 2008 diesel Duramax are the original Delco batteries and still start the truck on a frozen Michigan morning (it will likely happen suddenly when it does - shrug)
The key to flooded batteries is to keep the water topped off and the connections shiny and greased.
Guys like AGM because they believe there is no maintenance needed - but they forget the connections will get just as corroded and kill the battery same as on flooded types.
My flooded batteries in the boat are are auto store specials that were on sale and are in their 4th year now and going strong. I'm thinking I may change them out this summer and use them around the farm. With a dozen engines in use it seems there is always a battery that needs changing.
The flooded batteries in my 2008 diesel Duramax are the original Delco batteries and still start the truck on a frozen Michigan morning (it will likely happen suddenly when it does - shrug)
The key to flooded batteries is to keep the water topped off and the connections shiny and greased.
Guys like AGM because they believe there is no maintenance needed - but they forget the connections will get just as corroded and kill the battery same as on flooded types.
knotflying
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R Baker":3ntsrzjk said:Sorry, but I'll try asking again. How is the charging voltage from the alternator set, or changed?
The charging from a charger is different than how the alternator does its job. The alternator has a regulator that opens and closes as the battery is charged or discharged. This is a simple setup and nothing to think about. The charger on the other hand does different levels of charging and conditioning of the batteries. Hence, that is why there are different settings for the different battery types. Then it gets a little more complex with the relays that either join or disconnect the batteries from each other depending on their state of charge.
I hope this answered your question.
The OEM alternator has an internal regulator. Since the market for alternators is overwhelmingly automobiles (12V), it's almost certainly an automotive alternator with a single-stage (single fixed voltage) regulator. You could try getting the make/model off its name plate and looking it up online, and you'll probably find out what voltage it's set for. My guess is 14.2V or 14.4V. It's possible there's an adjustment screw on the regulator that'll let you change the voltage, you'll find this in the alternator's documentation.
It will be a single-stage regulator, not a 3-stage regulator. This means it's single-voltage. Not a big deal generally, because it isn't run enough to damage a battery through over-charging. However, you could elect to have the internal regulator replaced with an external 3-stage regulator (e.g., a Balmar or a Ample Power regulator), in which case you can program it to match whatever batteries you carry. Probably not worth the effort, though.
Finally, whatever batteries you end up with, make sure you look up their specific charging needs. For example, the batteries supplied on my boat are Universal Battery UB121100 AGMs. On another boat, I had Lifeline AGMs. The charging profiles for the two are *dramatically* different. Yet both are AGM batteries.
Jeff
It will be a single-stage regulator, not a 3-stage regulator. This means it's single-voltage. Not a big deal generally, because it isn't run enough to damage a battery through over-charging. However, you could elect to have the internal regulator replaced with an external 3-stage regulator (e.g., a Balmar or a Ample Power regulator), in which case you can program it to match whatever batteries you carry. Probably not worth the effort, though.
Finally, whatever batteries you end up with, make sure you look up their specific charging needs. For example, the batteries supplied on my boat are Universal Battery UB121100 AGMs. On another boat, I had Lifeline AGMs. The charging profiles for the two are *dramatically* different. Yet both are AGM batteries.
Jeff
Jeff,
As I wrote, I have AGM batteries. I agree the alternator voltage is probably not what the AGM batteries (Deka) require.The problem is these batteries are probably rarely charged to 100%. The Promariner has been set to the 14.1 V AGM setting. Discussion with Penn batteries (manufacturer of Deka) suggests that the higher , 14.6, setting for AGM's should be used. As well an equalizing charge should be applied from time to time if batteries are not brought up to 100%. Battery chemistry is a most complex subject and since my first innocent post, I've found considerable discussion on other forums on this subject.
I've managed 7 or 8 years out of batteries on previous boats. So the objective of this exercise is to at least repeat that performance. So for now, I plan to use the 14.6 V setting as well as occasional equalizing charges.
Thanks.
As I wrote, I have AGM batteries. I agree the alternator voltage is probably not what the AGM batteries (Deka) require.The problem is these batteries are probably rarely charged to 100%. The Promariner has been set to the 14.1 V AGM setting. Discussion with Penn batteries (manufacturer of Deka) suggests that the higher , 14.6, setting for AGM's should be used. As well an equalizing charge should be applied from time to time if batteries are not brought up to 100%. Battery chemistry is a most complex subject and since my first innocent post, I've found considerable discussion on other forums on this subject.
I've managed 7 or 8 years out of batteries on previous boats. So the objective of this exercise is to at least repeat that performance. So for now, I plan to use the 14.6 V setting as well as occasional equalizing charges.
Thanks.
knotflying
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If you want to learn all there is to know about 12 volt batteries, read the 12-volt Bible for Boats. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006B7LPEG/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?ie=UTF8&btkr=1
R Baker":ftvxfxlg said:My Promariner is set to charge the AGM batteries at 14.1 volts and this it does when the boat is plugged in to 120v. When running, the Garmin screen also shows 14.1v. The question, is how is the charging voltage from the alternator set ? If I were to change to flooded batteries then the Promariner would have to be reset to 14.8. How then would the alternator re-act ?
There is no built in way to change the charge voltage of the alternator. However, there are several aftermarket DC-DC charging systems available to regulate it. If you'd like to pursue that, C-Tek and Balmar are two that come to mind.
I make sure to always keep the boat plugged in while at the dock. The Promariner battery charger is designed to not only apply the optimal charge on the batteries, but also to keep them healthy while not in use.
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