34
|
ELDEAN OPERATING MANUAL
NW Explorations
4G2: DC Batteries
The batteries on this boat are not just one, big all-purpose battery. To have
redundancy, there are actually several “banks” of batteries assigned different
tasks.
A “starting bank” of two batteries (#1 and #1A) forward of the port engine are
used for engine starting and the bow thruster only. That way, we won’t run it
down playing the stereo, for instance, and then be unable to start an engine.
This battery is charged by the port engine alternator when this engine is running,
or by the battery charger if it is on when there is shore power or the generator is
running.
A second bank of batteries is called “the house battery” (#2 and #2A) aft of the
port engine. Connected to this bank are all the pumps, interior and exterior
lights, horns, navigation and radio gear, etc. It is charged by the alternator on the
starboard engine and, when there is shore power or the generator is running, by
a charger if it is on.
A third battery (#4) provides power to the inverter. It is charged by the inverter
whenever AC is present from shore power or the generator. And a separate
battery (#3, to port and aft of the generator) is used exclusively for starting the
generator which can charge them all. What redundancy!
Note that whenever any charging voltage is available to any of these battery banks, special “solenoid relays” close and
interconnect all of them so they will all get charged!
Since a battery works by making electricity through a chemical reaction, one component of which is water, we need to
be sure the batteries have water in them; this battery servicing is normally done routinely every few weeks by the boat’s
owner or charter company.
4G3: DC Battery Chargers
The vessel is equipped with two 12-volt battery chargers. They charge all the
batteries, although normally these are “off” and the inverter is left “On” to
charge the normally-paralleled house and inverter batteries.
The chargers are switched on by their breakers in the 120-volt circuit breaker
panel.
Reminder: The Inverter is primarily used for house battery charging; see
discussion about the inverter on page 28!
The house battery boxes
The generator battery.
Chargers in engine room.