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Nasher
Member Since: 07 Mar 2009
Location: Clanfield, North of Pompey - UK
Posts: 2817
  
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Does anyone know what the optimum engine revs is for battery charging from the alternator on my 65 plate D4 HSE Lux? At what speed is the Alternator at it's most efficient.
I know on older cars it was all about higher revs to give better Alternator output, but anything less than 20yrs old is more sophisticated than that.
like everyone else my D4 has been suffering through lack of use, so when I have to make a trip out to the shops I could take a little detour a couple of junctions up the A3 and back to get some charge in the battery and get it fully warmed up etc.
I believe that after a certain engine revs the alternator output is restricted electronically, and it would seem sensible for the alternator to be at it's most efficient at say @60*-75mph in top gear.
What I'm trying to get a handle on is whats the best strategy for charging, road speed wise.
Or put another way.
Is it better 'Theoretically' cruising at 70-80mph for a shorter period of time at higher revs.
Or, would more charge be put in the battery at say 60mph over the same distance covered where the engine revs are lower, but the time it's charging for is longer.
If that makes sense.
Nasher. Heaven doesn't want me, and hell is afraid I'll take over.
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 7th May 2020 6:29 pm |
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Brian_DL13
Member Since: 25 Aug 2013
Location: Teesdale
Posts: 1418
 
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I've seen it said (on here) that anything above about 1600 revs gets 'lost' and so around 1500 revs is the optimal.
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| 7th May 2020 6:47 pm |
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Gareth
Site Moderator
Member Since: 07 Dec 2004
Location: Bramhall
Posts: 26776
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On mine I have a volt meter connected and it goes up to over 15v depending on temperature, at idle speed. Raising the revs only increases it when there is a heavy load on, like heated seats and screens. Then I have to raise just above idle to get maximum volts.
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| 7th May 2020 6:56 pm |
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Washwipe
Member Since: 19 Apr 2013
Location: Bucks Oxon Herts Border
Posts: 3169
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Gareth wrote:On mine I have a volt meter connected and it goes up to over 15v depending on temperature, at idle speed. Raising the revs only increases it when there is a heavy load on, like heated seats and screens. Then I have to raise just above idle to get maximum volts.
Same as mine, those plug in give you an idea of what is happening, accelerating it charges less, deceleration charges more
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| 7th May 2020 8:29 pm |
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Nasher
Member Since: 07 Mar 2009
Location: Clanfield, North of Pompey - UK
Posts: 2817
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Thanks Guys, so it would appear a longer run at slower speed would be best.
I do understand that a trickle charger would be the best option, plugged in via the tow socket using one of the club adaptors, but I don't have one - yet.
How long are the leads on a Ctek?
And are the club Tow socket adaptors waterproof where they connect to the charger lead?
Do any of the Chargers the club supplies adaptors for have a longer lead?
Thanks
Nasher. Heaven doesn't want me, and hell is afraid I'll take over.
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| 8th May 2020 7:14 am |
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