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Date:         Fri, 28 Jan 2000 14:58:26 -0700
Reply-To:     "Michael A. Radtke" <m.radtke@ELM.AZ05.BULL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         "Michael A. Radtke" <m.radtke@ELM.AZ05.BULL.COM>
Subject:      Re: more ???? Re: Diesel alternator
Comments: To: andrew swingler <andys@ECE.UBC.CA>

Andy et al,


Some charge current notes:


1) Alternators naturally current limit at their rated current.


2) If 13.8 volts is applied (room temp) to a good battery, the
   battery limits itself to a safe charging current.


3) VW does it wrong.  The VW alternator regulator voltage senses
   at the alternator terminal.  The correct place to voltage
   sense is at the battery, and many cars do.  Please see #2.


4) The heavier the charging cable the better since the reduced
   voltage drop reduces the error introduced by #3.


5) Of course the cable between the alternator and any of its
   loads has to be able to carry the current required for that load.


Mike  '84 GL   '60 Vespa   '58 Isetta     ---   Phoenix, Arizona
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