Date:         Sat, 28 Jul 2007 18:24:10 -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: Mike S <mikes@flatsurface.com>
In-Reply-To:  <20070729003912.856781165C3@hamburg.alientech.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

Mike S typed:
> At 07:19 PM 7/28/2007, Michael Elliott wrote...
>> 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.
>
> So, for a 200A alternator, you just need two of these (for 12V, 820AH):
> http://www.azsolar.com/catalog/item/1496902/952162.htm
>
> Only 636 pounds.

Now yer talking! Some serious energy storage! Shove some WATT-HOURS into
those things! Yee-haw!

>
> But I think you're being aggressive with the charge rates, I think
> 10-15% is more common, so double that.

Good idea. I think 1272 lbs of ANYTHING could only help our poor
overloaded Westy climb them hills.

--
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