I'm looking for some understanding...
I'm interested in beginning the process of buying a trawler and want to better understand the electrical systems. My only point of reference is my buddy's DeFever.
He has a setup that I see as logical, but confusing at the same time.
Starting batteries for twin Lehmans, and a Generator (i think - may be tied to house bank)
Single battery for the Windlass
Bank of 14 6v's (280Ah each) for house power
Magnum 2800 inverter/Charger
Options to Charge all these:
three alternators (one of the Lehmans has a second oversize alternator)
Solar panel (connected with a MorningStar unit)
8kw Generator
Shore power
So... here goes - what I believe to be my understanding:
I assume (yes, I know - NEVER assume because of what it does to you and me) that the 'standard' Alternators on the Lehmans charge their respective starting batteries, and that the Generator does the same for it's Starting battery.
The aux Alternator provides charging to the house bank when underway.
When on the hook, the solar panel provides a charge to keep the house batteries topped off - Wasn't designed to fully charge the batteries, just make sure she'll start
When at dock or under Generator, the AC power goes through the inverter to charge the battery bank.
So now to the questions:
Is it reasonable to think that all power requirements are pulled from the house bank, going through the inverter (for 110) and that all the other sources are simply there to charge the batteries?
Are the 'brains' of this all within the inverter/charger? Doesn't this make for a 'single point of failure'?
Can A/C be run just off batteries, or does the Generator need to provide that extra 'oomph'?
His house bank seems a bit excessive to me, am I wrong?
Is there a resource that I can visit/buy to better understand the nuances of boating electrical systems?
Sorry for the rambling, but wanted you to understand my only point of reference.
Thanks for any thoughts/feedback.
b
I'm interested in beginning the process of buying a trawler and want to better understand the electrical systems. My only point of reference is my buddy's DeFever.
He has a setup that I see as logical, but confusing at the same time.
Starting batteries for twin Lehmans, and a Generator (i think - may be tied to house bank)
Single battery for the Windlass
Bank of 14 6v's (280Ah each) for house power
Magnum 2800 inverter/Charger
Options to Charge all these:
three alternators (one of the Lehmans has a second oversize alternator)
Solar panel (connected with a MorningStar unit)
8kw Generator
Shore power
So... here goes - what I believe to be my understanding:
I assume (yes, I know - NEVER assume because of what it does to you and me) that the 'standard' Alternators on the Lehmans charge their respective starting batteries, and that the Generator does the same for it's Starting battery.
The aux Alternator provides charging to the house bank when underway.
When on the hook, the solar panel provides a charge to keep the house batteries topped off - Wasn't designed to fully charge the batteries, just make sure she'll start
When at dock or under Generator, the AC power goes through the inverter to charge the battery bank.
So now to the questions:
Is it reasonable to think that all power requirements are pulled from the house bank, going through the inverter (for 110) and that all the other sources are simply there to charge the batteries?
Are the 'brains' of this all within the inverter/charger? Doesn't this make for a 'single point of failure'?
Can A/C be run just off batteries, or does the Generator need to provide that extra 'oomph'?
His house bank seems a bit excessive to me, am I wrong?
Is there a resource that I can visit/buy to better understand the nuances of boating electrical systems?
Sorry for the rambling, but wanted you to understand my only point of reference.
Thanks for any thoughts/feedback.
b