#11 in Boat electrical equipment
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Reddit mentions of Sterling Power USA Pro Alt C Alternator to Battery Charger 12V 130A
Sentiment score: 1
Reddit mentions: 1
We found 1 Reddit mentions of Sterling Power USA Pro Alt C Alternator to Battery Charger 12V 130A. Here are the top ones.
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Turn your alternator into a 4 stage battery chargerIntegral split charge facility - 1 output to starter, other output to houseProgrammable for AGM, Gel, flooded, sealed, calciumTypically 5 times faster than a standard alternatorNo ECU problems, doesn't void alternator warranty. Pays for itself in a matter of weeks due to gas saved.
Specs:
| Color | Grey / Red |
| Height | 3.09842519369 Inches |
| Length | 10.59842518604 Inches |
| Number of items | 1 |
| Weight | 5.4895103238 Pounds |
| Width | 6.99999999286 Inches |
Yeah, you'll definitely want more. However, I sort of question how much battery capacity you have to begin with. That's ALOT. What are you running?
If you could cut some capacity (and space/weight), it would allow you to top off the smaller amount easier, which is probably better for their longevity. Keeping them at a continual partial state of charge is much worse than closer to full.
I figure daily solar/alternator should be able to cover 1.5-2 days of usage, and battery capacity should cover 3-4 days usage (to make up for days when you don't drive/have sun).
And no, the issue isn't with the alternator - the limiting factor is the current that the batteries themselves can accept. The alternator is probably running at 10% output when they get to 85% SOC. I dont know the specs of the CTEK unit, but I suppose it is possible that if a device were to trick the alternator into outputting higher voltage and/or convert it to a higher voltage, then more current would flow into the batteries. I know in the marine world people get some pretty fancy (and expensive) alternator regulators that have multi-stage charging profiles which presumably give a little extra speed. But it doesnt seem like an economical choice to be honest, and surely has efficiency losses that would negate some of the benefits. I'd rather put the money towards another solar panel or two.
One device that I had looked into, but didnt end up getting because I got lithium batteries and needed a different setup, was this:
It seems much more promising than the CTEK units that I've seen around here. It actually does what I was saying - tricking the alternator and converting voltages to optimal levels.
But again, I'd just get more solar.