Compatible Devices
Determine the electrical load of your yacht
Accurate load calculations require precise measurements
of your yacht's equipment. You can find the actual load
values in the equipment manuals, or contact a qualified yacht
electrician to determine your actual needs. The table on the
right lists typical DC loads and an example of a load calculation.
Use this example to configure and calculate your yacht's electrical
load.
(Appliance load x Duty Cycle) x (Number of appliances)
= Total Load
Identify the technology and capacity of your existing battery bank
the capacity of the battery bank has a significant impact on the size and type of alternator required
to keep the batteries healthy. Determine the technology and capacity of your battery bank, then calculate
the charging requirements.
(A) Standard and deep-cycle flooded batteries can be charged at up to 25% of their capacity.
(B) Gel cell batteries can be charged at up to 35% of their capacity.
(C) Standard AGM batteries can be charged at up to 40% of their capacity.
(D) TPPL and Carbon Foam AGM batteries can be charged at up to 100% of their capacity.
(E) Lithium batteries can accept a very high charge, refer to the data sheet of the respective lithium battery.
Consult your battery manufacturer for recommended charging loads and profile.
(Battery storage capacity) x (Battery charging capability) = Maximum alternator output current
Choose your optimal alternator performance
Now that you understand the technology and charging profile of the battery bank, you can select an
alternator output that optimally charges your bank. The table on the next page
shows Balmar's most popular range of small, powerful high-output alternators
for your yacht, along with a suitable multi-stage regulator and accompanying
temperature sensors.
For a current requirement of 70A - 120A, choose a 6-Series alternator.
For requirements of 170A - 250A, choose an XT-Series alternator.
Determine the mounting type of the alternator on your engine
It is very important to determine how your existing alternator is mounted and to ensure it
matches the high-output alternator you select. Marine alternator mounts generally fall into
one of four categories:
Determine your belt and pulley requirements
6-Series alternators from 70A-100A can be supplied with either a single or dual V-belt
or a serpentine pulley.
6-Series alternators from 120A-150A can be supplied with either a dual V-belt or serpentine pulley*.
XT-Series alternators can be supplied with either a dual V-belt or a serpentine pulley.*
Determine your belt and pulley requirements
Balmar 6-Series alternators from 70A-100A can be driven with a single ½" V-belt pulley. If you need to charge more than 100A, you will need a (DV) dual V-belt or multi-groove (serpentine) pulley system on your engine to avoid a pulley upgrade. If a dual V-belt or multi-groove pulley is not present, an AltMount© conversion kit will be required.
Unless you have a recently produced engine that already includes a multi-groove pulley system, the high output of the XT-Series Alternator Packages will require an AltMount© Conversion Kit Upgrade to multi-groove belts. Choose wisely!
Need more help? - Call Balmar or philippi technical support!
Select additional options for the charging system
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Still questions about the alternators
Not sure which solution is right for you?
On-board electrical systems are complex – and every application has different requirements. With our broad portfolio of proven brand products and our own system solution, we offer you maximum flexibility.
If you are unsure, we will guide you step by step. We listen, analyze your needs, and together with you, develop a reliable and future-proof solution – clearly explained and precisely tailored to you.
Book your personal consultation now and gain clarity for your project.
