Split charging systems

[Guest]

Just looking at adding an extra battery to a friend's 80 for powering
his fridge, compressor, laptop, etc and am looking for recommendations
for a split charging system.
He has been considering just fitting the battery in series, but I'm not
a fan of this.
Anny recommendations?
--
Regards,
Julian Voelcker
Mobile: 07971 540362
Skype: julianvoelcker
Cirencester, United Kingdom
1994 HDJ80, 2.5" OME Lift

 

[Guest]

Hi Julian
Considering your "He has been considering just fitting the battery in
series, but I'm not a fan of this."
I would like to comment: You must mean 'in parallel' as 'in series' gives
you a different voltage..
The parallel coupling however should consider equal sized batteries in
similar condition, or they may destroy each other over time... if their
voltage is not equal, the higher voltage will charge the lower one, thus
keeping the higher voltage one never fully charged and thus a tendency to
sulphatting may occur.. some distance (read: length of wire with reasonable
dimension) may provide some resistance to this, but probably will not
complete prohibit this...
The best solution would IMHO be a split-charge relay, or a completely
separate cirquit with its own generator. As the latter will provide
additional security for somewhat the same cost (old 12V generator from
anywhere will do, only a suitable drivebelt and pulley from the existing
system is the problem) I would suggest to consider that... Its only some
more work to install than compared to the relay..
Having said that, I have tried a parallel coupled setup on my 100 - and
experience that the theory does apply... so I charge my extra battery each
week to keep up the voltage of them all, and I am considering wich other way
(one of my own suggestions...) to go from there... trouble on a 100 like
mine is practically no more space around the engine, so a charge realy may
be it....
Regards..
4x4hec

 

[Guest]

On 11/27/06, Julian Voelcker <[Email address removed]> wrote:
Julian,
How much is he willling to spend on a system?
Henrik, of course is correct.
--
Rgds,
Roman (London, UK)
'92 HDJ80

 

[Guest]

Julian
There are plenty of systems out there - no experience myself but if you look
at HUBB I seem to remember a discussion about this. Boat and some
caravan/motorhome suppliers will know about it but I'm also sure Roman will
too amongst others.
Be very interested to know where you intend to mount the battery as I'm
going to go this route at some point but do not want to have the 3rd battery
in the rear passenger area. I've also heard of people who attach an
additional bracket to the inside of a front wing - they like me don't have
ABS- but the lumps and bumps of Africa have destroyed the wings, so not a
good idea.
Cheers
Jeremy
Yellow top Optima batteries seem to be the hot favourite I think
On 27/11/06 12:00, "Julian Voelcker" <[Email address removed]> wrote:
Mob: 07831 458 793
--

 

[Guest]

Hi Henrik,
Yes sorry did mean Parallel.
Adding an extra alternator is the best solution, but the space is limited so
would prefer a split charging system
I've never dealt with these before so would be interested in
recommendations.
--
Regards,
Julian Voelcker
Mobile: 07971 540362
Skype: julianvoelcker
Cirencester, United Kingdom
1994 HDJ80, 2.5" OME Lift

 

[Guest]

Hi Roman,
Not fussed as long as it does the job!!
Personally I like the setup you have, but need to spend a little more
time to get my head around it.
we basicallly need to b e able to power a fridge, laptop a and one or
tow other minor electrical kit, as well as an electric winch.
--
Regards,
Julian Voelcker
Mobile: 07971 540362
Skype: julianvoelcker
Cirencester, United Kingdom
1994 HDJ80, 2.5" OME Lift

 

[Guest]

Hi
I have recently installed an IBS slit charging system - from TBR-UK.
Not the cheapest, but it works really well. You can see the charge in
each set of batteries at the push of a button.
It allows you to connect all the batteries if you need to - extreme
winching etc, with a link button.
http://www.ibs-dual-battery.ch/
So in my system - I have the 2 x12v batteries as standard, and the third
battery (2 x 105AHr Deep cycles) in the trailer.
Very effective.
Graham

 

[Guest]

Julian,
Being a caravaner of some years I can pitch in here. You used to
be able to get a split charge relay that did just that, split the
charge. This system gave your batteries equal priority, so your
auxillary battery would get some charge before your car battery was
full. This is not so good. More modern systems use a relay that will
not charge the auxillary until the vehicle bat. is full. Search eBay
and you will find a selection of this.
The best, or one of, is a Sterling system for charging. Stirling
do a selection of car based electrical enhancements. Try their
website.
Regards, Clive.

 

[Guest]

On 11/27/06, Julian Voelcker <[Email address removed]> wrote:
Bottom end (ca UKP 10.00)
A 70A/12V relay having the coil connected to the alternator CHARGE terminal.
Pros - things don't come simpler than that
Cons - not really a split charger, just an auto aux battery switch
with all the downsides described by Henrik.
Middle (ca UKP 25.00)
A voltage sensing/delayed relay
Like this one here: http://www.intellitec.com/pdfs/BATTERY_web/5300629.000.pdf
Pros - still cheap and easy to make
Cons - Just as limited in its application and only a bit better than a
simple relay
Top end (ca UKP 150.00)
Load and voltage sensing split charger with battery conditioner and
battery combiner for emergency start
Like the one here:
http://www.hellroaring.com/BIC-95150B instructions rev B.PDF
Pros - All singing & dancing system in a small package.
Cons - Price, wiring requirements
There are other brands and varieties but they are usually made for the
marine industry, hence sizes, capacities and IP ratings will differ.
--
Rgds,
Roman (London, UK)
'92 HDJ80

 

[Guest]

Hi Jeremy,
One option I have seen is to modify the battery mount on one side of the car
(right hand when looking in the engine bay) which can provide enough space to
mount two optimas side by side.
If you stand on the passenger side of the engine bay there should just be
enough space infront of you near the firewall.
THinking on the hoof...
One thought is inside the boot on the right where there is a small recess
between the rear of the boot and the wheel arch - I haven't looked in to it,
but if you aren't fussed about the trim on the side you could stick a battery
holder in that is partly in the wing and partly in the boot space - by using
some of the wing you can still keep the main boot area clear.
Secondly, depending on how keen you are, the other option is to cut a hole in
the floor somewhere that is above one of the spaces between the chassis rail
and than create a battery box that you can drop in to. If you don't have a
LRFT you could drop it under the boot.
Expanding on that, you could go the route of some lorries and just get a
battery box made up and mount it up under the chassis. It will be a bit of a
pain to get to serv ice, but hopefully you won't need to get to it much ;-)
--
Regards,
Julian Voelcker
Mobile: 07971 540362
Skype: julianvoelcker
Cirencester, United Kingdom
1994 HDJ80, 2.5" OME Lift

 

[Guest]

Clive,
I've had a look at the Sterling site, but cannot find any automotive
specific info so will need to dig through the mariine info.
Roman/Graham,
I have been looking at the Hellroaring and IBS solutions that both look
interesting, but am also gathering info on the Piranah and National
Luna solutions as well.
--
Regards,
Julian Voelcker
Mobile: 07971 540362
Skype: julianvoelcker
Cirencester, United Kingdom
1994 HDJ80, 2.5" OME Lift

 

[Guest]

Julian,
Try this one.
http://www.sterling-power.com/ Then go to 'products', then
'battery to battery chargers'
Regards, Clive.