Alternator overcharging batteries
I have 4 AGM batteries in my rig with a total capacity of 440AH (actually 880AH @ 6V, but of course they are wired to get 12V). The data sheet for my Haze batteries species a bulk -> absorption cut...
Forum Discussion
Gerald55 wrote:
@landyacht318 - All good points about true SoC, but they seem somewhat orthogonal to the discussion of the alternator charging. For now, I have to live with the algorithms my Samlex solar controller implements, which I believe are all time based for the absorption phase and do not the include acceptance based cutoffs.
Sorry for meandering, but AGM's are expensive, and full charge is hard to determine, so believing the solar controller is getting them full, without verification, is not wise.
Also, solar cannot meet the higher amp recharge requirements they need every so many deep cycles.
My Northstar AGM protests at 4 cycles of only low and slow solar, even if it meets the acceptance threshold each day. One high amp recharge and it returns to happy. My alternator is cheap and is easy for me to replace, so I use thick copper and do not fear maxing it out as it is cheaper than a new battery.
One can limit the amp flow by using thinner copper circuit to house batteries. More voltage drop on thinner copper, causes less amps to flow.
A digital voltmeter on the dashboard whose voltage sense lead is on the house batteries is VERY revealing and enlightening when driving.
It has shown me just how insane my ECM controlled voltage regulator is.
