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From: Tim Holock (no email)
Date: Mon Jan 05 2004 - 08:00:31 EST
Arild,
Thanks for taking the time to reply so comprehensively.
The idea of adding a shaft-driven alternator is intriquing. I spent some
time on Nigel Calder's Crealock 40, I think it was, and he had done exactly
that, with the alternator ending up in a box under the bottom companionway
step. I do believe I could squeeze one in there also. I've been struggling
with a 75 amp belt-driven alternator that just won't stop slipping its
belt - the next step was dual belts - and this idea would neatly solve that
problem. A PTO was an option on the 2QM20, so parts may be available.
I don't think that will be the total solution, though, since that old motor
is noisy as hell and I can't imagine putting up with it for long periods at
anchor.
Regarding batteries, I think someone else was talking about increasing the
size. I have 6 golf-cart batteries now (2 AGM, and the other 4 going to AGM
as soon as they start to die) which I think is about max'd out for a 32ft.
I am getting sold on the idea of a 12V genset. In giving it some thought, it
seems the technology to convert from 12V to 110V is much better than 110V to
12V - I don't recall seeing battery chargers available in more than 30 amp,
except in very large sizes, and certainly not over 100 amp. My problem now
is to find sources and usable sizes - Balmar is the only source I have found
so far.
Thanks for the comments on Prosine and Mermaid. I expect I will be talking
with them about correctly sizing an inverter. I guess it was luck that I
chose the Mermaid prior to researching the genset. Generally I've been happy
with the unit, although I have had to replace a thermostat and a water pump
(under warranty). I also wish that a LOW temperature cutoff was included -
its unnerving, and I'm sure not good for the compressor, to see the unit
turn into a huge block of frost (and keep running!) when the seawater gets
too cold.
So with a big alternator on a PTO, and a 12V genset, I do believe I would
have sufficient redundancy and capacity - with a couple of long cables I
could go into the business of selling power in the anchorage!
Tim Holock
S/V Marooned, Endeavour 32
Annapolis, MD (well, really MRE)
-----Original Message-----
From: Arild Jensen [mailto:]
Sent: Sunday, January 04, 2004 1:20 PM
To: Tim Holock
Subject: RE: Small Genset Question
Tim,
Have you considered using your main engine to drive a great big alternator
with
a shaft coupling instead of a belt?
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