There are three primary 12 volt systems on GreatWhite,
all charged by a Xantrex Freedom Marine 1000 Charger/Inverter while on shore power, or by an engine driven (DELCO-type) 60 amp alternator with an external (switchable) Balmar MaxCharge voltage regulator incorporating a Balmar Digital DuoCharge Isolator, (windlass battery charged by a WestMarine Battery Combiner attached to the STARTING BATTERY) and managed by a Xantrex Link 2000 battery management system. A Guest model 2450 Galvanic Isolator protects the boat from galvanic corrosion and metal loss.
There are separate switches for HOUSE and STARTING batteries located on the aft cabin bulkhead inside the engine room. When the STARTING BATTERY switch is energized, a green LED is illuminated within the electrical panel. There is no "COMBINATION" capability between the HOUSE and STARTING banks except for direct connection using JUMPER CABLES.
The HOUSE battery bank is protected by a 250amp fuse located immediately below the switch.
The STARTING battery bank is protected by a 175amp fuse located immediately below the switch..
The Balmar MaxCharge voltage regulator automatically monitors battery conditions and uses up to a dozen individual time and voltage values to optimize battery charging. Enhanced by a 3-digit numeric display, the digital MC-612 makes it easier than ever to monitor a wealth of operational, programming and self-diagnostic info. Selectable programs for six battery types, as well as user programmability make the Max Charge as simple or as precise as you choose. The Max Charge also provides manual equalization, amp manager, automatic conditioning and exercise programs to maintain battery health. The Max Charge monitors and compensates for alternator and battery temperatures when equipped with optional temperature sensors. Dual battery temperature sensor inputs allow monitoring of two batteries.
The BalMar MaxCharge voltage regulator is active ONLY when both the IGNITION SWITCH and the REGULATOR DISCONNECT SWITCH are in the ON position. The Regulator Disconnect Switch is mounted on the NavPod so the regulator (and therefore the alternator) can be controlled from the helm. There are three wires to the disconnect switch:
The LINE and LOAD wires are clearly labeled inside the electrical box. The switch I chose is an automotive grade switch and the wiring instructions are taped inside the NavPod.
NOTE: Currently the ENGINE TACHOMETER functions ONLY when the REGULATOR is switched "ON" (there is a 45 second delay between "ON" and really 'on' to allow for oil pressure to build).
The BATTERY SENSE WIRE (Christmas tree colors -- green, red, white) has an inline 1 amp fuse and is connected directly to the Gel house battery.
The Balmar Digital Duo Charge is designed specifically to control charging voltage output -- making it possible to safely mix house and starting battery technologies. The Duo Charge features four different programs based on four battery technologies: Standard Flooded, Deep Cycle Flooded, Gel and AGM battery types. In addition, the Duo Charge can be programmed for 12-volt or 24-volt operation. The (installed) Battery Temperature Sensor cable (MC-TS-B) provides the ability to respond to a catastrophic over-charging runaway condition by automatically discontinuing charging output.
As of this writing (Feb 2010), there exists a minor magnetic field at the rear bushing of the alternator even when no charging source is present. When the DuoCharge is removed from the charging circuit, this magnetic field disappears. Hopefully, BalMar will be able to shoot this problem and we'll get a resolution.
A note about Balmar MaxCharge and DuoCharge: these great products are a real pain in the ass to set up, as they require the use of a magnetic switch. I've never mastered this, but their Tech Support is unequaled.
12 volt circuit breakers are located in middle section of the main power panel with the following exceptions:
The PRIMARY BILGE PUMP is also FUSE PROTECTED within its switch housing. The switched bilge pump is fuse protected at a distribution bus on the aft cabin bulkhead inside the engine room.
A fused terminal block located on the aft bulkhead just above the starting battery box supplies 12VDC power to the REFRIGERATOR LIGHT, the small bilge pump, the 12VCD TV power, and something else but I don't know what the last one is.
The Link 2000 instrumentation and control panel is designed for use with the Xantrex Freedom series inverter/charger and a dual battery bank. It displays critical DC electrical information for 12VDC systems and allows for advanced setup of critical inverter and charger functions. An easy to read LCD display provides a digital readout of system data. HINT: READ THE INSTRUCTION MANUAL FOR THE LINK 2000 to truly appreciate its' capabilites or just to get frustrated trying to understand Peukert's law.
The Xantrex Freedom 1000 Charger/Inverter delivers up to 75amps@12vDC charging power, and can provide up to 1800 watts @110vAC when in inversion mode. ONLY THREE OUTLETS ARE POWERED DURING INVERSION, and TWO of these are identified with BLACK OUTLET COVERS (galley and passageway) with the THIRD outlet in the Electronics Closet. The charger is controlled by a dedicated 25amp (110vAC) circuit breaker (red switch) in the main power panel. TO ACTIVATE INVERTER: press the INVERT button on the LINK 2000. Make sure the INVERTER is not enabled when service personnel are working on the electrical system as they might be inverted into the next world.
House
The house is powered by one 183Ah 4D SeaGel maintenance free battery and is monitored as "Battery 2" from the Link 2000.
Starting
The starting battery is a Group 27 (automotive-type) standard flooded maintenance free battery rated at 700 CCA. It was purchased and installed on 2/8/2010 and is monitored as "Battery 1" from the Link 2000. Charged via the BalMar Digital DuoCharge, it incorporates a BalMar MC-TS-B battery temperature sensor attached to the NEGATIVE POST to discourage catastrophic "run away" uncontrolled charging. (Battery Bill's, Battery Bill's)