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Need help with balmar 2 output alternator

5233 Views 1 Reply 1 Participant Last post by MATHURIN, Sep 17, 2009

MATHURIN

Discussion Starter · Sep 17, 2009 (Edited)

There are a few things about the current charging setup on my boat that I don't really understand and can't find answers in the litterature. I hope someone can help me. Here's my problem. The previous owner installed a 100 amp Balmar alternator that has two output (Balmar 90-100-D). One of theses output is connected to the main battery banks (2 X 31) and the second output is connected to the starting battery (1 X gr24). The alternator is regulated by a Balmar max charge MC512 regulator.
Here are my questions:
1- How does the alternator distribute de charge, is it 50amps per output or does it goes according to the need ?
2-Should the regulator be set to charge the main battery bank or should I take into account the three batterys as there is not two input in the regulator nor in the alternator??
3- Is everything all right the way it is and i'm just being trying to understand something too complicated for my little brain...

I'm asking because right now the wiring in that area is a mess and I plan to do something about it this winter, and I want to know if I should use the alternator as a single output and put a battery combiner in between the bank and the starting battery instead of the current setup(but then again how to I set up the regulator).

here is the info I found so far:
http://www.balmar.net/PDF/Alternator Drawings/90-seriesdimensionaldrawing.pdf
http://www.balmar.net/PDF/MC-512manual.pdf

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MATHURIN

Discussion Starter · #2 · Sep 17, 2009

Alright guess I was two fast on the ask button again, I just foud this:

D, DUAL OUTPUT MODELS: Each terminal provides proper charging to a separate battery or bank. Each output terminal can charge up to the alternators max rating but both terminals together can not exceed the alternators maximum rating. Remember that the current (amps) flows to the battery with the least resistance or greatest need first. Once equal, both batteries will receive about the same charge. The regulator looks at one battery only, so we recommend that the house bank be used for sensing. Bridging or connecting the two terminals makes the output single. DO NOT OPERATE without each main output terminal connected to a battery or bridged. To charge a third or fourth separate battery, a two bank isolator must be installed on each output terminal. For extended storage periods, disconnect the alternator from the batteries. The voltage equalization circuit in the alternator allows a small (milli amp) flow between the batteries to prevent surface voltage buildup.

http://www.balmar.net/PDF/2000 Alternator Manual.pdf

Anyone has an any experience with a similar system ?

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