More
Language
Display mode
BoatHowTovideo
27 May 2026 · 3 min · 3K views
Nigel Calder explains boat charging system with diagram
What this video covers
Jan Attenstedt and Nigel Calder evaluate a boat charging system that uses an alternator connected to a three-output battery isolator.▶ 0:25 This configuration feeds a DC-DC charger for a lithium-ion-phosphate house bank and direct lines to AGM engine, generator, and bow thruster batteries.▶ 0:35 The system lacks a Balmar APM, but the presence of connected AGM batteries prevents an open circuit and subsequent voltage spike if the lithium-ion battery management system disconnects.▶ 0:55 However, the setup suffers from voltage losses across the isolation diodes and requires heavy-gauge wiring to the bow thruster to handle the alternator's full output.▶ 0:01 Replacing the isolator with dedicated DC-DC converters for each bank would allow for current limiting, enable the use of smaller conductors, and provide more precise charging algorithms.▶ 2:37 The current configuration is considered outdated and overly complex compared to modern alternatives.▶ 0:00
More from BoatHowTo
From BoatHowTo — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analysed video.