Alternator Regulators for Boats

Alternator regulators

- Why to choose a battery voltage controlled high-performance regulator -

What is a high-performance regulator & what does it do?

Almost all yachts and motorboats that require maximum charging power from their alternator have the same problem: the built-in alternator regulators are only designed to charge a small starter battery. Standard regulators are generally not designed to control alternators so that batteries - especially large battery banks - are fully charged. Battery voltage controlled high performance regulators measure the current voltage at the battery and not directly at the output of the alternator. They use "maximum current charging technology" (multi-level IV characteristics), which results in significantly shorter charging / motor running times. In addition, voltage losses due to long lines, junctions and isolating diodes are detected and fully compensated for by increasing the alternator output voltage accordingly.

The advantages of a high-performance regulator

High performance regulators can be used to replace defective standard alternator regulators or can be used in parallel operation with standard regulators. A high performance regulator influences field excitation very efficiently through its control current fed directly into the alternator rotor coil winding. The charging voltage optimised in this way ensures a higher charging current even when the engine is idling (= low alternator speed). A temperature sensor monitors battery temperature and, depending on the regulator type, also the alternator temperature. Wired remote controls with alarm function and status/operation display are also available, depending on type. STERLING high-performance regulators can be used for alternators with positive or negative field excitation, while the MASTERVOLT Alpha Pro is only suitable for alternators with negative field excitation. (A positively or negatively excited alternator refers to whether the regulator is connected to the positive or negative terminal (carbon brush) of the (rotor) excitation winding).

Installing high-performance regulators on board

Since a high performance regulator only optimises the function of the alternator, no further changes are necessary in existing charging technology on board. Only a few control cables are required to be connected for installation. For field excitation connection, in most cases it is also necessary to access the alternator. In the case of anyone who is concerned that installing a high performance regulator would be too complex or worries about loss of warranty on a new alternator, this doesn't mean that it won't be possible to optimise your battery charge. You can take advantage of the benefits of an alternator-to-battery or battery to battery charger.