How to not blow up your alternator when charging lithium batteries

[sailorboy1]

Originally Posted by randydandy

Good to know. I've got a Balmar MC-614 regulator and figuring out how to program that thing is another one of my hurdles. I understand the Wakespeed uses an app and bluetooth?

The newer 614s have a LFP setting. But if you go to their site there is a guide to doing the older ones by using the programming features.

[wguinon]

I used thermal epoxy to attach an open on-rise-switch to the alternator case. The switch, in parallel with a resistor, is wired in series with the field. When the alt gets too hot the switch opens and the resistor limits field current.

[SOLAR SUPPORT]

Originally Posted by wguinon

I used thermal epoxy to attach an open on-rise-switch to the alternator case. The switch, in parallel with a resistor, is wired in series with the field. When the alt gets too hot the switch opens and the resistor limits field current.

My alternator works similarly. I was wondering about the capacity of the alternator and the values ​​of the resistors you used. Adjustable resistors are also available. By using them it may be possible to limit the rotor excitation current.

Normally this is the regulator that controls the current. It increases the rotor excitation current when the alternator speed is low. I have observed with the measurements I have made that the current decreases as the alternator speed increases. Since I am using the alternator's own regulator, I was afraid to disrupt the operation of the regulator by using a resistor and I did not make similar attempts.

[s/v Jedi]

Using a surge arrestor (Alternator Protection Device) as the main mechanism to protect the alternator during a HVC, is like using a fire extinguisher to turn off the stove.

These devices are last resort options, you must turn off the alternator before the HVC occurs.