"Allan Cazaly" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: >There is a third way, which is my installation spec\:- > >My engine is the standard Beta 43 (BV1903 Kubota) >I have a 100 amp x 24 volt alternator with an extra large pulley on >the engine main shaft. (and the usual 12 v x 45 amp alternator for the >starter battery): I also have a 3-kw Powermaster combi-inverter. This >seems to load the engine well. I am told (By Beta engineers) that when > a 240 heavy demand is applied (I have several items) and the >batteries need charging, the alternator uses aprox., one third of the >power output from the engine. Whether this is factual or not, I cannot >confirm but tend to believe what I have been told from Beta.. >THE ONE *DOWNSIDE* is that I need to keep the drive belt (a 5 multi >vee) very tight to stop slipping. This may eventually damage the >bearings on the alternator. >~Allan~ nb.Pengalanty
I have a 100 A 24 V alternator on my main engine on a 4:1 pulley ratio (so it will deliver useful output even when the engine is idling). It does not experience your downside, because it is driven by a (single) poly-V belt. This type of belt can handle much larger loads than conventional V-belts at significantly less tension, without slipping. Also, you avoid the hassles (and extra space requirements) of multiple belts. Poly-V is now an industrial standard, and pulleys are readily available (although I did have to have my big one custom made, due to the peculiarities of the crankshaft end shape, but it was not expensive). The belts are not that expensive either (and of course I need only one at a time), and come in a significant variety of widths and lengths. They are also very durable. My current one has been in place for over ten years. Adrian Adrian Stott 07956-299966
