Bruce wrote: > my attention has been drawn to Chris Gibson's page on battery > management systems: > > http://www.smartgauge.co.uk/controllers.html > > and I probably won't be fitting an Adverc.
Without knowing the people or the product I'm instinctively a little cautious about any web page that says why such systems don't work, then tries to sell me something to help overcome the problem. I've personally had good experience with both Sterling and Adverc BMSs in split charge diode systems, and haven't seen excessive voltage on the starter battery circuit. Having said that I don't recall seeing any alternator that can throw out 14.4V without a BMS fitted so even with a zero loss split charge system (such as the one being sold here) it would be useful. My immediate interest is that I now have a 24V/260A Niehoff alternator but rarely get more than 160A from it (no split charge diode or BMS) and am contemplating putting in an Adverc in given past good experiences. It does have adjustable output voltage (0.2V steps as I recall but not sure that the upper limit is as high as 28.8V) so might take a look at that first (one I have an engine in the boat again ;-) ) Steve NB Bream
