pjwain
commented
3 weeks ago Hi Steve,
Great suggestions. With the exception of the solar panels, we could implement the new changing regime right now if we wanted to.
I think it would be great to have a new SOP, perhaps titled "Battery Management", to cover how and when to charge the batteries efficiently using the diesel engine when under way, the portable charger when anchored or moored, and the shore supply when at a marina. The new SOP could be updated if and when we get solar panels. Maybe Michael Martin could look at this in his project to update the SOPs.
Regards, Peter W.
On Tue, 11 Jun 2024 at 22:03, Steven Ring @.***> wrote:
Currently, a significant proportion of Volvo engine hours are spent simply charging batteries at anchor -- using a 75 hp diesel to run a 2 hp alternator is madness!! - it takes up to 3 hours to charge the batteries to a reasonable level (or $75 according to the lifetime cost model for the Volvo diesel. Not to mention, running the marine diesel at virtually no load for hours on end is a sure way to shorten the lifespan.
Namadgi's batteries should be charged using a combination of
- Solar panels -- for bulk and float charge
- Genset -- for bulk charge
- Alternator on main engine while underway -- (NOT while anchored)
Solar Panel are a great idea (especially to achieve the all-important "float charge") but I'll leave that issue for others. I'd like to concentrate on the Genset.
I think everyone agrees that our next yacht MUST have a factory installed Genset. It's a "no-brainer"
Meanwhile, we have a perfectly good Honda 2.2kW portable genset -- a product of forward thinking by @CORCpete https://github.com/CORCpete .
I recommend, from now onwards, we use it to charge the batteries whenever possible. To shorten the duration of charging we need to match the genset output to the charging load. The current charger is rated at 40 amps (equals 0.5kW) which provides only a small load on the genset and results in long charging times.
I recommend this charger be replaced with one capable of providing a charge current of at least 100 amps (equals 1.4kW) which would result in a charging time comparable to that provided by the Volvo Diesel. A 1.4kw load driven by a 2.2kW genset makes a lot of sense.
I'd recommend a Victron 100A charger https://energyconnections.net.au/products/victron-centaur-battery-charger-12v-100a-charging-3-outputs for their reliability and price. CORC might consider a unit that combines both the battery charger and 240V inverter functions.
Whichever the choice the work could be done by Onboard Electrical at Boatworks in November. The total cost would be about $2500 which would easily be recovered in save main engine hours. The downside is:
- some inconvenience in using the portable genset
- need to carry ULP fuel (which is needed for the outboard anyway)
We will preserve the value of Namadgi by minimising the hours put on the main engine.
cc @mgrybaitis https://github.com/mgrybaitis for consideration by Committee @delcosta https://github.com/delcosta @CORCpete https://github.com/CORCpete @allister-polkinghorne https://github.com/allister-polkinghorne @mrmrmartin https://github.com/mrmrmartin @pcbaston https://github.com/pcbaston @pjwain https://github.com/pjwain
— Reply to this email directly, view it on GitHub https://github.com/CanberraOceanRacingClub/namadgi3/issues/841, or unsubscribe https://github.com/notifications/unsubscribe-auth/AHKWIP2PKTYQZN6UPJRVZS3ZG3RRZAVCNFSM6AAAAABJEF7CF6VHI2DSMVQWIX3LMV43ASLTON2WKOZSGM2DMMRUGQYDKNI . You are receiving this because you were mentioned.Message ID: @.***>
Currently, a significant proportion of Volvo engine hours are spent simply charging batteries at anchor -- using a 75 hp diesel to run a 2 hp alternator is madness!! - it takes up to 3 hours to charge the batteries to a reasonable level (or $75 according to the lifetime cost model for the Volvo diesel. Not to mention, running the marine diesel at virtually no load for hours on end is a sure way to shorten the lifespan.
Namadgi's batteries should be charged using a combination of
Solar Panel are a great idea (especially to achieve the all-important "float charge") but I'll leave that issue for others. I'd like to concentrate on the Genset.
I think everyone agrees that our next yacht MUST have a factory installed Genset. It's a "no-brainer"
Meanwhile, we have a perfectly good Honda 2.2kW portable genset -- a product of forward thinking by @CORCpete .
I recommend, from now onwards, we use it to charge the batteries whenever possible. To shorten the duration of charging we need to match the genset output to the charging load. The current charger is rated at 40 amps (equals 0.5kW) which provides only a small load on the genset and results in long charging times.
I recommend this charger be replaced with one capable of providing a charge current of at least 100 amps (equals 1.4kW) which would result in a charging time comparable to that provided by the Volvo Diesel. A 1.4kw load driven by a 2.2kW genset makes a lot of sense.
I'd recommend a Victron 100A charger for their reliability and price. CORC might consider a unit that combines both the battery charger and 240V inverter functions.
Whichever the choice the work could be done by Onboard Electrical at Boatworks in November. The total cost would be about $2500 which would easily be recovered in save main engine hours. The downside is:
We will preserve the value of Namadgi by minimising the hours put on the main engine.
cc @mgrybaitis for consideration by Committee @delcosta @CORCpete @allister-polkinghorne @mrmrmartin @pcbaston @pjwain