Charging batteries with the engine
Hi all. I have a 2011 triple e senator 25d. Great motor home. E450 v10. Just curious, what is the output of the alternator vs the standard converter? It seems to charge the house batteries...
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Depending on the state of charge of the battery, it will take hours to charge a battery with an engine idling at say 750 rpm. Even a half charged battery will take hours to properly charge, that is to bring it to as similar state of charge after a days travel on the road.
At idle approximately 750 rpm, an alternator is barely making enough power for mandatory equipment, ie. EFI fuel pump, the engine managment system, the electrically controlled fuel injectors, etc. and some to the battery of the vehicle. Boost the idle up to fast idle about 1800 rpm, and there is more going to the batteries. I would not like to "idle" a Ford V10 at 1800 rpm for hours.
Alternators are rated at 6000 rpm, alternator shaft speed, approximately cruise speed for the vehicle. At slower speeds, alternator output really drops off.
The more batteries being charged by an alternator the more heat and wear on that alternator and its just not good for an engine to idle for hours, there can be build up of deposits, a lightly loaded engine can "make oil". The cost of replacing a Ford V10 is probably between $5000 and $7000. With new accessories maybe more. I am sure that there are people who can do it for less.
We have a generator and do not charge the batteries with the generator, its the same thing, it takes hours to properly charge a battery.
Best solution is be on the grid or go with solar.
Good Luck.
At idle approximately 750 rpm, an alternator is barely making enough power for mandatory equipment, ie. EFI fuel pump, the engine managment system, the electrically controlled fuel injectors, etc. and some to the battery of the vehicle. Boost the idle up to fast idle about 1800 rpm, and there is more going to the batteries. I would not like to "idle" a Ford V10 at 1800 rpm for hours.
Alternators are rated at 6000 rpm, alternator shaft speed, approximately cruise speed for the vehicle. At slower speeds, alternator output really drops off.
The more batteries being charged by an alternator the more heat and wear on that alternator and its just not good for an engine to idle for hours, there can be build up of deposits, a lightly loaded engine can "make oil". The cost of replacing a Ford V10 is probably between $5000 and $7000. With new accessories maybe more. I am sure that there are people who can do it for less.
We have a generator and do not charge the batteries with the generator, its the same thing, it takes hours to properly charge a battery.
Best solution is be on the grid or go with solar.
Good Luck.
