Generator Alternator charging question.

[peterbylt]

A question for you Generator Gurus.

I am in the completion stage of installing my Generator, a 20KW Power Tech with very little hours.

Due to space and wiring constraints I will currently need to use the house batteries as the start batteries.

This will be changed to a separate generator start battery at a future time.

My question is, there is an alternator on the generator that charges the Start Battery, after the generator is running it will be powering the four Stage charger/power supply that is used to keep the house batteries charged and run the 12 volt lights and load.

Will both of those charging the same batteries, damage the Batteries (2 8D), the 4 stage charger, or the alternator?

I thought to disconnect the alternator wire, not sure if running the alternator without a load will damage it?

Peter 

[richard5933]

It might confuse the voltage regulator.

If the alternator is the only thing on the belt, just pull the belt.

[oltrunt]

Are you using start batteries in place of deep cycle for the time being?  I'm confused.  Jack

[buswarrior]

Yes, you have to choose one way to charge.

Unless you can get professional advice that just disconnecting your particular alternator properly, and leaving it spinning, won't hurt it, it needs to have the belt off.

Many generators have the option for "no alternator". In which case, the set-up is likely simple to have one, or not. A shorter belt or some other easy way for the alternator not to be there, and fan/water pump still run.

Once the gen has its own battery, that alternator is some nice redundancy, don't let anyone tell you to toss it for your permanent system.

The joys of a " progessive build" !!!

Happy coaching!
Buswarrior

[luvrbus]

Power Tech sells a idler pulley adjustment to remove the alternator for belt adjustment ,it is best to remove it those tiny alternator go bad just spinning and they don't have enough amperage to charge a battery bank of any size