dual alternators
I see Superduties have dual alternators listed as an option. Anyone have this setup? Do you like it? And how are the loads separated? Thanks.
Forum Discussion
Dual Alternators for High-Power Drain Applications
Alternators are particularly helpful for high-drain vehicle power applications where the vehicle needs to have sustained power output without the engine running, without sacrificing the vehicle's ability to turn over. Vehicle engineers can approach this from two separate design approaches. The first is to connect both alternators to a large battery bank shared among the starter, spark plugs and other vehicle systems. A shared system offers the advantage of inexpensive simplicity; however, extended use without running the motor runs a real risk of draining the batteries to the point where the engine will not turn over. The second design philosophy approach sets up two separate power systems, one for critical systems and another for secondary optional devices. A dual independent power system approach prevents the vehicle from getting stuck due to draining too much power from the batteries but adds significant expense. The dual power system design works well with vehicles like RVs or police surveillance vehicles. Two alternators can also serve as a jerry-rigged replacement for larger alternators by combining two in series to reach the same level of power output, which is particularly helpful in improvised repair situations.
Alternators are particularly helpful for high-drain vehicle power applications where the vehicle needs to have sustained power output without the engine running, without sacrificing the vehicle's ability to turn over. Vehicle engineers can approach this from two separate design approaches. The first is to connect both alternators to a large battery bank shared among the starter, spark plugs and other vehicle systems. A shared system offers the advantage of inexpensive simplicity; however, extended use without running the motor runs a real risk of draining the batteries to the point where the engine will not turn over. The second design philosophy approach sets up two separate power systems, one for critical systems and another for secondary optional devices. A dual independent power system approach prevents the vehicle from getting stuck due to draining too much power from the batteries but adds significant expense. The dual power system design works well with vehicles like RVs or police surveillance vehicles. Two alternators can also serve as a jerry-rigged replacement for larger alternators by combining two in series to reach the same level of power output, which is particularly helpful in improvised repair situations.
