In Part 1 we learned that powerful alternators can have several negative performance, reliability and safety impacts; however, we assumed basic alternator regulation. But by controlling the alternator output with respect to engine rpm we can mitigate a lot of these problems.
This article covers how to pick our values to input into any regulator with this capability and then how to actually do the programming if we use a unit from Wakespeed, John’s preferred regulator.
Calculate Maximum Power
Let’s assume we have a power-hungry boat and therefore want the most powerful alternator that will be relatively safe for our engine, using the following assumptions:
- 40-foot cruising sailboat
- 50hp (37kW) engine at 3000 max rpm
- Cruise rpm 2000