Date:         Sat, 28 Jul 2007 16:19:16 -0700
Reply-To:     Michael Elliott <camping.elliott@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Michael Elliott <camping.elliott@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Iraggi alternators
Comments: To: Geza Polony <gezapolony@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
In-Reply-To:  <vanagon%2007072816444731@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

Near as I can tell, an oversized alternator isn't going to provide quick
charging batteries. Lead acid batteries can't be quick charged without
damaging them. A charge rate of 20% to 25% of the total ampere-hour
rating of a flooded (not sealed) battery is recommended while sealed
batteries (gel, AGM) want a slower rate.

One can't just jam massive amounts of amperes into a lead acid battery
quickly unless you back it up with a massive number of volts -- more
than an auto alternator can put out, and if one did gerry-rig such a
charger the spew of sulfuric acid electrolyte when the battery boiled
over would put a real damper on the fun.

--
Mike "Rocket J Squirrel" Elliott
71 Type 2: the Wonderbus
84 Westfalia: Mellow Yellow ("The Electrical Banana")
74 Utility Trailer. Ladybug Trailer, Inc., San Juan Capistrano
KG6RCR