Alternator and LiFePo battery question
What percentage of an alternator's rated output is it safe to run at a steady charge rate? 50%?
Forum Discussion
S Davis wrote:BFL13 wrote:
One thing with the DC-DC is you can set its output voltage and do the same with your solar controller's to get them about the same so they add their amps while you are driving.
With ordinary alternator charging in newer vehicles, the alternator voltage gets lower than the solar's, and you mostly only see what the solar is doing.
On my 2019 Chevrolet 2500HD the charging voltage stays at a constant 14.4 it never changes, so newer vehicles are not all the same.
My 2003 2500HD Chev starts at about 14.6 then settles at around 14. That is when idling and as it gets hotter around the engine. I will check for when on a long drive. My 1991 Class C holds at around 14.5 steady while driving though.
Another alternator thing with LFP is "load dumping" if the BMS cuts off the battery while the alternator is running. If the engine battery is FLA, that maintains a load, which can save the alternator. The DC-DC input is from the battery posts not from the alternator directly so that should be ok--I am not too clear on that issue so if I have it wrong do correct the info!
