July 6th, 2010 • 23:07
Do You Need A Larger Hp Engine To Turn A 150 Amp Alternator?
I want to build a DC generator to charge a bank of batteries. The examples on the web show a standard GM alternator that puts out 60 amps or so. Wouldn’t it be more effective to use 150 or a 200 amp alternator to charge the battery bank quickly? Does a gasoline engine work harder to spin a 200 amp alternator compared to a 60 amp one? I’m new to all this. Thanks!
Jul 6th 2010 • 23:07
by -->X<--
Not really. If you just want to charge a battery bank then the 63 Amp GM Alternator would be the best, because you can get it for next to nothing at any scrap yard. The Amps are peak output, which would occur for only a short time, since the charging Voltage for a 12 Volt alternator is withtin the range of 14-15 Volt, determined by the internal temperature compensated regulator and once the batteries are back up on their Voltage, the Amps would drop rapidly.
You could charge 5 12Volt batteries with this Alternator easily. A 3HP gas engine would be perfect for this setup.
If you want to use the 12 Volt for powering an inverter, then you would have to oversize the alternator, because all Amp ratings on these are peak values and not contiuous duty ratings. If pushed to the max. it would overheat and destroy the alternator.
For higher rated alternators like 150-200 Amps in connection with the steady use of an inverter a gas engine of 5-6 HP would be necessary.
Also, I should add that charging batteries with a higher amperage would be inefficient and would shorten the life of the batteries.
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Jul 7th 2010 • 04:07
by busboy
I want to build a DC generator to charge a bank of batteries. The examples on the web show a standard GM alternator that puts out 60 amps or so. Wouldn’t it be more effective to use 150 or a 200 amp alternator to charge the battery bank quickly? Does a gasoline engine work harder to spin a 200 amp alternator compared to a 60 amp one? I’m new to all this. Thanks!