David, You need to look at the battery manufacturer's info to know the charge profile for your batteries. To change the alternator charge profile you'll probably need to install an external regulator. The most important part of the profile is the max charging voltage. Most AGMs are limited to 14.6 but it could be lower. Some stock alternators have a default max voltage of 14.4v. This gives some flexibility and margin.
Josh On Oct 16, 2018 11:26 AM, "David Knecht via CnC-List" <[email protected]> wrote: I have AGM batteries and they are charged exclusively by the alternator or solar panel. In neither case do I know of a way to regulate the charging for compatibility with AGM. The charger for shore power is set for AGM, but I rarely use it. Is there something I should be doing with the alternator with the AGMs? Thanks- Dave S/V Aries 1990 C&C 34+ New London, CT On Oct 16, 2018, at 11:10 AM, Rick Brass via CnC-List <[email protected]> wrote: You should also be aware that there are different types of chemistry in AGM batteries. My new ProNautic charger has 4 different programs for charging AGM batteries, and at least one of those is pretty much identical to the programs available for lead-acid. But the instruction manual for the charger tells you to be sure to contact the battery supplier to identify the exact type of AGM you are using so you can be sure to setup the proper charging profile. Have you thought about going to Lithium batteries? A boater on my dock is in process of installing 4 of them on his O’Day. Cost of the batteries is about $300 each – which isn’t dramatically higher than good AGMs, His bank will be between 400 and 500 AH (I forget exactly what he told me), but with Lithium batteries you can use more than 50% of the bank capacity without harming the batteries… you just need the correct charge profile (and a higher capacity charger). Rick Brass Washington, NC _______________________________________________ Thanks everyone for supporting this list with your contributions. Each and every one is greatly appreciated. If you want to support the list - use PayPal to send contribution -- https://www.paypal.me/stumurray
_______________________________________________ Thanks everyone for supporting this list with your contributions. Each and every one is greatly appreciated. If you want to support the list - use PayPal to send contribution -- https://www.paypal.me/stumurray
