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Post by sailoray531 on Jan 27, 2014 18:03:05 GMT
Does anyone know the optimum engine rpm for charging batteries in a 2004 Jeanneau 43 Sun Odyssey equipped with a Yanmar 4JH3-TE diesel engine. I understand that the calculation for it is the ratio of the alternator pulley size to the engine pulley size times 5000.
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Post by Tafika II on Jan 27, 2014 19:45:56 GMT
What size alternator do you have?
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Post by Trevor on Jan 27, 2014 23:11:55 GMT
Great question!
I have a 90 Amp Balmar alternator and a Xantrex external regulator with a Xantrex battery monitor. I have tried to judge the most effective RPM to run the engine for best results. I find the charge increases to a maximum of about 50 amps at about 1400 RPM. Above that the charge increase is only moderate so I figure about 1400 seems to be the sweet spot. I am sure this is different for different configurations.
It is a good question as the lower the RPM the less noise and wear and tear but you don't want to be running the engine and not getting the full benefit.
Regards,
Trevor
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Post by sailbleu on Jan 28, 2014 7:54:35 GMT
surely off topic , my apologies , but every time I had (past tense for me) to run the engine to charge the batteries a piece of my heart broke off.
Just to say the engine is such a vital part, he should only be working to get the boat moving imo .
That made me decide to load my boat with solarpanels , an investment (they have become so cheap these days) not only to the benefit of silence , but also to preserve or prolong the engine's lifespan.
Do the math , it will take several hours of engine running to get a standard 225 Amp battery recharged, practically every day.
But again, sorry for the off topic remark.
Regards
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Post by Trevor on Jan 28, 2014 8:06:36 GMT
Off topic or not Sailbleu, I agree!
I now have 300 watts of solar panels sewn onto my bimini and I love to see the batteries charging silently without any wear or noise. It is the best investment we have ever made.
Regards,
Trevor
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Post by sailbleu on Jan 29, 2014 4:51:01 GMT
I know Trevor , I've seen your project , very nice solarpanels indeed. Last year I've put some extra (also flexible) on the sprayhood , together withthe rest more than 700 watt. Who needs the engine right ?  Sorry for showing off gents , but I cannot stress out enough to be gentle with the engine for other purposes than propelling. But I used to set the rpm's of my engine (for charging that is) around 1500 revolutions. I figured that was the compromise between noise and output. Eventually it got to a point where i kept reducing the rpm's in order to spoil/save the engine , then I knew it was time for some serious alternative energy. Regards |
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Post by hoppy on Jan 29, 2014 20:13:30 GMT
Get yourself a battery monitor so you can see the charge the motor is putting into the battery. Then play with the revs and work out what is best for your boat. I have www.nasamarine.com/proddetail.php?prod=BM2 |
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Post by hoppy on Jan 29, 2014 20:15:11 GMT
I know Trevor , I've seen your project , very nice solarpanels indeed. Last year I've put some extra (also flexible) on the sprayhood , together withthe rest more than 700 watt. Who needs the engine right ? Sorry for showing off gents , but I cannot stress out enough to be gentle with the engine for other purposes than propelling. But I used to set the rpm's of my engine (for charging that is) around 1500 revolutions. I figured that was the compromise between noise and output. Eventually it got to a point where i kept reducing the rpm's in order to spoil/save the engine , then I knew it was time for some serious alternative energy. Regards 700w  I have just 200w  |
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Post by dublin on Jan 29, 2014 23:30:11 GMT
What's wrong with your trusty Honda portable suitcase generator. The noise level is no greater than the engine. In fact it is less than the outboards on punts passing by. Plug in shore power cable and it rechargs the batteries and heats water for showers etc via immersion. They work for ever and never seem to give any trouble.
Makes life at anchor very civilised
Saves destroying the engine - which will happen if you run in when not under load
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Post by sailbleu on Jan 30, 2014 5:46:43 GMT
What's wrong with your trusty Honda portable suitcase generator. The noise level is no greater than the engine. In fact it is less than the outboards on punts passing by. Plug in shore power cable and it rechargs the batteries and heats water for showers etc via immersion. They work for ever and never seem to give any trouble. Makes life at anchor very civilised Saves destroying the engine - which will happen if you run in when not under load Now we're getting way off track  , but a 2000 watt exhaust cooled kipor inverter generator is my ultimate backup. Self-sustainability is my families name of the game. Regards |
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, but a 2000 watt exhaust cooled kipor inverter generator is my ultimate backup.