Battery Charging Voltage...

[BonBini]

A lot of information/opinions on this sight on batteries. Also a lot of boaters hung up on the correct battery charger to use for different battery types.

I have been a mechanic my entire life. I have rebuilt alternators and am familiar with how a battery works. I also understand impedance as it relates to battery charging.

?… When it comes to selecting a battery charger for a specific battery type, ie. Wet Cell, Gel, Agm: What about the alternator? It’s my understanding the alternator’s regulator circuitry is built for a specific resistance to balance the alternator’s out put. So what’s the difference if one changes there onboard charger to match a specific battery needs, when the alternator ends up charging at the same voltage it did prior to the battery swap?

 

[JimG]

Excellent observation. You are correct... the alternator is applied very loosely to battery type and even number of batteries.

I'm sure others will chime in but I'm thinking that with the technology available in batteries and charger electronics, more suitable charge rates and levels can be implemented based on battery type.

So yes, while you're on shore power you can be well matched between charger and battery, but when the alternator takes over, its the same old battery charger doing the work.

 

[MonacoMike]

I would also like to understand this better, I assumed it was about top off rates but we all know what the first 3 letters of... Well you know. MM