Balmar 60 Series, Инструкция по установке и эксплуатации

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MULTIPLE BANK CHARGING OPTIONS
When charging a single starting battery, the alternator can be connected to the battery directly, or via an ON/OFF
switch. More typically, in a marine system, the alternator will be supporting a smaller starting battery and larger
house battery bank -- or a starting battery, along with multiple banks for house loads, inverter loads, windlass or
thruster.
Many methods of multi-bank charge control are available, ranging from manual switches to products like Balmar’s
Digital Duo Charge (which automatically provides charging current to the starting battery whenever charging volt -
age is present at the house battery). The following section outlines many of the most commonly used options for
multiple-bank battery management:
BATTERY SWITCHES
Available in two primary types -- ON/OFF or A/B/BOTH -- manual switches offer a simple
method for charging management. Possible installations include separate cables to each
battery bank with ON/OFF switches in line for each bank, or, a common output cable
to the common post of the A/B/BOTH switch with an output cable to each battery bank.
Field disconnect switches feature terminals where the field output from the regulator to
the alternator can be interrupted when the battery switch is turned to the OFF position.
This feature ensures that alternator output is discontinued as soon as the battery is dis -
connected. NEVER operate the alternator with switches in OFF position (doing so could
cause alternator diode damage).
• Advantages: Inexpensive. No substantial voltage drop.
• Disadvantages: Requires user interaction. Can be accidentally shut down, causing potential alternator damage.
Does not allow for mixed battery technologies.
• Voltage Sensing: Battery voltage sensed must always be that of battery being charged. Sense voltage at com-
mon side of battery switch or at alternator positive output.
BATTERY COMBINERS/SOLENOIDS
Battery combiners enlist high-amperage solenoids to charge multiple battery banks. Be -
low a specific voltage set point, the combiner’s solenoids remain open, isolating the indi -
vidual battery banks. Once the baseline voltage is reached, the solenoid(s) close , combin -
ing all of the batteries into one big bank.
• Advantages: No user interface required. No substantial voltage drop. Available in
2 or 3-bank models.
• Disadvantages: Moderately expensive. Does not allow for mixed battery technologies.
• Voltage Sensing: Sense voltage at common side of combiner or at alternator positive output.
BATTERY ISOLATOR
Isolating diodes direct charging current to the battery bank with the greatest demand.
Best suited for battery banks that are comparable in size and degree of discharge.
Isolators are not necessarily the best choice when charging house and start battery
banks. Only one battery bank can be sensed by the regulator, so under or over -
charging can be a substantial issue if batteries are dissimilar in capacity or degree
of charge. Diodes can drop voltage at the battery side of the isolator by nearly a full
volt, which means that the alternator is forced to increase voltage far in excess of
that needed by the batteries.
• Advantages: No user interface required. Reasonably priced. Available in 2 or
3-bank models.
• Disadvantages: Substantial voltage drop. Can only sense voltage at one battery bank. May drive voltage at sec-
ondary battery bank to dangerously high levels. May hold high voltage for too long at smaller bank. Tendency to
under- or over-charge secondary (non-sensed) battery bank. Greater chance of early battery failure.
• Voltage Sensing: Voltage must be sensed at most commonly used battery bank (typically house). Connect
sense wire to battery side of isolator or positive post of battery being sensed.
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