Thanks to replies from David, Dennis, Neil and Mark, I've seen the error of my ways. I didn't see how the regulator controlling the voltage could change the amp output of the alternator, but now I see that the regulator varies the current to the rotor, which controls the output of the alternator, and hence the voltage, which is what the regulator looks at. So if there is no need for amps, none are produced, which had to be the answer, but I couldn't get to it. To put in the RVC, I was trying to understand the charging of my aux battery. I don't need more amps; maybe I need fewer amps over a longer time. But I need the correct voltage to push the amps into the battery. [In the mtn cabin photovoltaic system I maintain, the batteries go to 20 degrees F in the winter and we have to up the charge set point to 15.8V to fully charge them. Warmer batteries in the summer (well, up to 55 degrees) and a lower voltage from the controller.] It was 20 degrees the other day camping with Leon near Moab and I was wondering how fully charged my batteries were. Compared to a solar system, the alternator system is a lot of tradeoffs so everything works "pretty OK"-- except maybe an aux battery when you really need it. ;-) Thanks! Richard ------------------------------------------------------------ + To unsubscribe from the Vanagon List send an e-mail to + listserv@gerry.vanagon.com with SIGNOFF VANAGON + in the body of the message. ------------------------------------------------------------ |
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