![]() And it turns out that the Lithionics battery powers my computing gear for at least 20 hours. In the end, and after 6 weeks of intensive field use in remote areas, I concluded that the extra cost and complexity and risk of failures of a 2nd alternator were not a good choice for my particular needs. For example, I want to run a ~300 watt computing system for hours for two days and know that I can recharge that system in an hour or two of driving. But it looks quite challenging to charge the Lithionics lithium battery anywhere close to its potential speed. When fast charging is possible, one can enjoy ample electrical power every day, without fretting over how long the batteries will last. Also, the engine never gets to full operating temperature in very cold conditions, which is also Not Good.įast charging of batteries is a win: you get to enjoy ample battery power without worrying about draining the batteries and waiting all day or longer to recharge.Ī good battery bank can soak up a lot of amperage the Lithionics lithium battery accepts 360 charging amps (about 5100 watts), far more than a primary or secondary alternator can deliver or even the 150 amps supplied by a charger/inverter like the Xantrex 3012 via shore power. Idling is the kiss of death for the Sprinter (oil vaporizes in the turbo during DFP regeneration), so 3 or 4 hours a day of idling in very cold temps is just problematic. Update December 2018: with dual 400 amp batteries, charging takes too much idling and fuel, particularly for topping off from 70% on up where the alternator drops output due to already good voltage. It charges a single Lithionics lithium battery from 20% SoC to 100% in about 4 hours of driving-plenty fast for my needs. The stock Mercedes alternator peaks at 14.2 volts plus or minus a tiny bit, and supplies up to 140 amps of charging power while driving (and at 35-60 amps at 800 rpm idle, depending on what it senses for voltge). ![]() If more rapid charging and/or very high amperage is a requirement (such as for rooftop-mounted air conditioning), then the Mercedes Sprinter van has provisions for a 2nd alternator. The 6 cylinder engine is an easier install the 4 cylinder slightly more complicated. The primary built-in alternator can do the job for charging a battery bank albeit at a slower rate than a dedicated 2nd alternator and regulator. ![]() The stock Mercedes Sprinter alternator is working GREAT in severe conditions over 6 weeks of intensive use. My final conclusion was to NOT install a 2nd alternator: cost, complexity and increased risk of failure way down remote areas that can require (if available at all) $2000+ tows out. ![]()
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