Inverter/Charger -- maybe?

[VelaFella]

I have a 2005 Hunter 41 with a P6000ND Fischer Panda generator and a 56 hp Yanmar engine with the optional large alternator. 2 new AGM 4D's were installed last year. Problem: both the generator and the engine are recharging the batteries poorly. In prior years, when I would charge the batteries at anchor using the generator, it would take about an hour or an hour and 1/2 to work through Bulk phase, then Acceptance phase, and occasionally all the way to the Float phase. Now, however, after one hour or more, the charge is still in the Bulk phase. The voltmeter on the electrical panel shows that the generator is producing 120V. The Yanmar does slightly better in terms of charging, but nothing dramatic. To add to my puzzlement, shore power brings the batteries up to full charge in a normal amount of time. Any thoughts as to how or why the deterioration in charging ability is occurring ??? (The inverter/charger is a Heart Interface Freedom Marine 20, 2000 Watts, 100 amps.) Thanks.

 

[Slipin Away]

Generator is providing same voltage as it would be at the dock power. Batteries are 10years old. I had to replace mine after 7 years

 

[VelaFella]

Generator is providing same voltage as it would be at the dock power. Batteries are 10years old. I had to replace mine after 7 years

Thanks, Slipin Away. If I understand your reply correctly, you may have overlooked the part of my post in which I noted that I replaced my batteries last year. So, they are 1 year old, not 10.

 

[Benny17441]

Just measure the actual DC voltage charger output at the battery terminals when running the generator and compare to a voltage reading when using shorepower. If there is a difference then the generator output could be questionable. Don't know what kind of voltmeter you have on the control panel for a/c power, ours came with an analog meter, but use a digital instrument to measure generator output voltage. If you find readings to be in an acceptable range then turn your attention to loads, usage and the batteries. A deeper discharged battery takes longer to recharge than one not so much discharged. In order to be able to differentiate between generator charging time and shorepower charging time the level of discharge in the batteries must be the same which may not be the case when you return to port as when you sat at anchor. Last bench test the health of the both batteries to ascertain their condition. I know they are only one year old but that in itself offers no guarantees. If you find your batteries are now discharging deeper than before you may check for the possibility of a stray short circuit.

 

[Marc14857]

Thanks, Slipin Away. If I understand your reply correctly, you may have overlooked the part of my post in which I noted that I replaced my batteries last year. So, they are 1 year old, not 10.

I have a somewhat similar setup. Same engine with 100 Amp balmar alternator and same generator. I have a house bank 450 Amphr using 4 6 volt crowne wet cells.

Battery charger is 2500 Xantrex charger inverter. Depending on state of battery depletion the generator can take up to 2 hours +\- to charge the bank. I believed that this is due to the A/c load sharing function of the charger as if I have other AC loads on my he generator, hot water her for example, the charger does not put out full rated output. Just a thought.

 

[ice breaker]

I have a 2005 Hunter 41 with a P6000ND Fischer Panda generator and a 56 hp Yanmar engine with the optional large alternator. 2 new AGM 4D's were installed last year. Problem: both the generator and the engine are recharging the batteries poorly. In prior years, when I would charge the batteries at anchor using the generator, it would take about an hour or an hour and 1/2 to work through Bulk phase, then Acceptance phase, and occasionally all the way to the Float phase. Now, however, after one hour or more, the charge is still in the Bulk phase. The voltmeter on the electrical panel shows that the generator is producing 120V. The Yanmar does slightly better in terms of charging, but nothing dramatic. To add to my puzzlement, shore power brings the batteries up to full charge in a normal amount of time. Any thoughts as to how or why the deterioration in charging ability is occurring ??? (The inverter/charger is a Heart Interface Freedom Marine 20, 2000 Watts, 100 amps.) Thanks.

I have basically the same boat with pro mariner 3 stage 50 amp charger. My AGMs lasted 8 years( internal short). Went to Golf batteries as 2 month lead time on agms at the time. All was great for 2.5 seasons.....until I unintentionally killed the batteries. (When you teach your daughter to follow the check list really follow the checklist and do not start shutting things off to confuse her! My bad.)

I was able to recover the batteries, but they discharge twice as fast and stay at 13 volts while being charged for 3 hours before getting near 14 v.

It might be possible that your batteries got knocked off line for too long with out your knowledge.

I knew mine had not been on the charger when after 4 weeks I entered the boat and smelled all of my rotten food in the fridge and freezer.

I was surprised that they even took a charge. I need new batteries.

 

[VelaFella]

Ice Breaker: I am concerned about the batteries, which are only one year old. However, I left the boat in the slip over the winter, and thus on shore power for the entire time (in theory). They were only left without power during the spring for a couple of weeks during haul out for painting the bottom.

 

[ice breaker]

I am not an expert on anything.....but I do know my boat and what it takes to keep her running.

You may want to have a good shop stress test the batteries. They have gear that can help you understand the status of the batteries. If the batteries are good keep looking at other things, but in my experience, batteries are the weak link.

Good luck!!

 

[VelaFella]

Thanks to all for relating your experiences and offering suggested avenues to pursue in solving my problem. If it does get solved, I'll report back with the results.