linked alternators

[david scheer]

hello all
is it possible to link 2 or more car alternators driven from the same engine
to a single battery
thankyou David

 

[Steve Lusardi]

No, not at the same time. Use a selector switch and a relay.
Steve

 

[Steve Lusardi]

Do so at your own risk. Yes it will work as long as all components are
functional. If there is a fault, it will damage both systems. Ask yourself
why anyone would wish to combine alternators on the same battery bank at the
same time. It is self defeating. Each alternator should have the ability to
charge any of the battery banks and any battery bank should be able to power
any load and all options will be covered without risk.
Steve

 

[Mark Holden]

I use 3 alternators on 1 system, have had no trouble.
2 80A units are on my auxiliary engine, and are controlled by 1 regulator.
the other is on the propulsion engine and has it's own regulator. [
http://www.amsterdamhouseboats.com/voltage_regulator.htm ]
I've found that with separate regulators, 1 unit will do all the work until
it starts getting hot, then it's protection circuitry starts tapering the
output and the second alternator takes some load. this leads to unnecessary
belt wear on the first alternator, as well as inefficiency. when they share
1 regulator, output, belt load, and heat are evenly split [I measured the
outputs].
if 1 huge machine fits your engine and your budget, go for it; but 2
separate units working together run fine, too.
regards, Mark Holden