2 Ways Lithium KILLS Your Alternator (and how to prevent it)
April 01, 2023 by Emily & Clark's Adventure | Language: EN Play Time: 00:20:56 | SAILING YOUTUBERS
In this week’s video, I answer the question “Is my alternator safe with LiFePO4 batteries?” The answer is… it isn’t—unless you take precautions.
In this video, I refer to a thermal switch I bought. It was a 10-amp, normally-closed thermal switch. I chose one rated for shutdown at 110-degrees C. That temperature is something you should choose yourself, but I think that is a good number for a thermo-switch mounted inside the alternator case.
In preparing for this video I searched eBay again and found a better choice. This is the same basic thing, but this one is rated for 16a. That would be more then plenty for any alternator I’ve seen. Also, it’s CHEAPER!
https://www.ebay.com/itm/144996884088?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=gfQjjFrDQrm&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=3Zp5jgUhScS&var=444205206204&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
A commenter brought up a concern (thanks Apollo). He thought that the thermal switch might suffer from the back emf of the coil being disconnected when things overheat. He might be right though I have seen this done in motors before. Either way a simple “flyback diode” (Google it) might give extra protection and is cheap and easy to install.
Another thing that I wish I had talked about in this video was engine room ventilation. It seems basic but keep it cooler around your alternator and your alternator will run cooler!
Well as I say the description section is how I reserve the right to get smarter.
If you would like to learn more about the BankManager or order one, check out:
https://www.emilyandclarksadventure.com/bbms
Here is a link to the video where I talk about engine belt upgrade https://youtu.be/Sf02o0VyTwA
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Emily & Clark's Adventure
Hi! We are Clark and Emily, living small and intentionally together (currently aboard our 50-year-old sailboat, S/V Temptress, which we fix and maintain ourselves). This is our adventure. Here we share monthly Aventure Logs, Intentional Life Philosophy, Capable Cruising Guides to help other boaters select equipment and supplies, and regular old moments in our life (including music, laundry, and the like).
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