D6-435 Alternator Upgrade

[dbsea]

Has anyone looked into or done an upgrade to the stock alternator? The stock is 12v/115A. Looking at ways to increase energy independence, including bigger solar panels, lithium, etc.

 

[MV Toujours]

Has anyone looked into or done an upgrade to the stock alternator? The stock is 12v/115A. Looking at ways to increase energy independence, including bigger solar panels, lithium, etc.

I have been doing research on putting a 250 amp Balmar alternator on my D4-320 to charge Firefly or Lithium batteries.

What I have learned is that you should leave the stock alternator installed to charge your start and thruster batteries. There is a lot of communicating that goes on between the stock alternator and the rest of the Volvo components, and problems might be introduced and/or your warranty might be voided.

Also, the internal voltage regulator on the stock alternator is not optimal for high rate charging.

It is possible to add a second alternator with pulley adapters and have it dedicated to charging your house bank. It was recommended to me to use a Wakespeed external voltage regulator.

The added benefit to this arrangement is that if you switch to a lithium house bank, the Wakespeed can be programmed for that and you can stay with AGM start/thruster batteries. You will have to bypass the Ranger factory ACR.

Hope this helps.

Patrick

 

[cruiseoncraig]

I just read your post from 2022 and I am considering doing the same thing. Did you install the 250 and how has it worked out? It seems to me that installing a second alternator might also avoid putting too much tension on the water pump pulley since the stock alternator is "after" the water pump pulley and adding load could put side pressure on the water pump pulley and lead to bearing failure. Having the second alternator on the port side should alleviate that problem. Your thoughts?

 

[Brian John]

I was told Balmar makes a kit for the D4-320 ith brackets, serpentine belt, and alternator.