In the YouTube video titled “Don’t Explode, Get Electrocuted, Or Call MayDay – Boat Life DIY | EE 135”, the focus is on the challenges and solutions of maintaining a self-contained power grid while living aboard a boat in remote locations. The speaker discusses the various components of their power grid, including solar panels, a diesel generator, and a battleborn lithium power bank. However, they also highlight the problem they faced with their engine’s alternator not being suitable for charging their lithium batteries, which prompted them to make a significant change. This blog post will delve into the project of installing a new alternator and its impact on their boat’s power capabilities. Stay tuned to learn more about the process and its success in powering their boat during their recent adventures.
– The Importance of a Self-Contained Power Grid for Remote Boat Life
In remote boat life, having a self-contained power grid is of utmost importance. When visiting remote places, there is no access to a traditional power grid, which means that all power needs must be carried on board. This includes a water grid, sewage grid, and most importantly, a power grid.
The heart of our power grid is our Battle Born lithium power bank. These rechargeable batteries provide us with the power we need to run all our appliances and systems on the boat. To ensure that our power bank remains charged, we have two ways of recharging it. The first is through solar panels attached to our Bimini, harnessing the free energy of the sun. The second is through a diesel generator that is cleverly fitted into our aft lazarette. This gives us a backup option in case the weather conditions are not conducive to solar charging.
However, we encountered a problem with our engine’s standard alternator. It was not designed to charge lithium batteries, which posed a safety hazard. To solve this issue, we decided to install a new alternator from Balmar. This high-capacity alternator provides us with an additional source of power, especially when we need to run our engine intermittently. The installation process involves serious wiring and set-up, but we are confident that this upgrade will significantly enhance our boat’s power capabilities.
– Challenges of Charging Lithium Batteries and the Need for an Upgraded Alternator
Charging lithium batteries can present several challenges, especially when there is a need for an upgraded alternator. This becomes even more apparent when venturing into remote areas that lack access to a grid. As avid travelers, our goal has always been to explore off-grid locations and stay there for extended periods. To achieve this, we rely on a self-contained power system within our fiberglass vessel.
Our power grid is centered around the Battle Born lithium power bank, a reliable and rechargeable source of energy. However, the process of recharging these batteries poses a challenge. We currently have two methods in place – solar panels attached to our Bimini and a diesel generator located in our aft lazarette. These have served us well, but we saw the need for a third alternative.
The engine of our vessel seemed like a viable option. Unfortunately, the engine’s standard alternator was not designed to charge lithium batteries. Attempting to do so could result in dangerous consequences, including overheating and potential fires. This limitation hindered our ability to harness the full potential of our engine and left us seeking a solution. Consequently, we embarked on a project to install a new alternator from Balmar. This upgrade promises to be a game-changer, providing us with an additional and more reliable power source. With a staggering 250-amp capacity, this new alternator will require extensive wiring and setup. However, we are hopeful that the process will be swift and seamless, enabling us to enjoy an expanded power capacity during our travels.
As we look ahead to our next adventure, we have unpacked the necessary components for this project. These include massive alternator wiring, new pulleys, a battery monitor, and mounting templates for instruments. While the installation may seem daunting, we are determined to overcome any challenges to enhance our power grid further. With the support of the Victron extra regulator and the convenience of a fully equipped vessel, we are confident that this upgraded alternator will greatly improve our ability to charge our lithium batteries efficiently and safely.
– Installing a New Alternator for Enhanced Power Generation: Process and Recommendations
To enhance our power generation capabilities, we have decided to install a new alternator in our setup. As we venture into remote places, it is essential for us to have a self-contained power grid that can sustain our needs for extended periods. Our current power grid consists of a Battleborn lithium power bank, which is rechargeable through two methods: solar panels attached to our Bimini and a diesel generator located in our aft lazarette. However, our engine’s standard alternator is not designed to charge lithium batteries, making it inefficient and potentially hazardous.
To overcome this limitation, we have opted to install a new alternator tailored specifically for our power requirements. Balmar Baltimore has provided us with a 250 amp alternator, a substantial improvement over the stock 80 amp alternator. The installation process involves significant wiring and setup, but we are hopeful that it will be a relatively quick project. Along with the alternator, we have obtained additional components such as new pulleys and a battery monitor, which we may or may not use depending on our needs and the functionality provided by the Victron extra regulator.
As we embark on this project, we understand the importance of a well-functioning power system in our travels. Our goal is to optimize our power generation capabilities to ensure a reliable source of energy, especially during periods when we are anchored or encounter unfavorable weather conditions. With the new alternator and accompanying upgrades, we look forward to smoother operations and extended stays in remote locations. Stay tuned as we share the details of our installation process and the outcome of this project in the upcoming Boat Work with Brett episode. In conclusion, this YouTube video titled “Don’t Explode, Get Electrocuted, Or Call MayDay – Boat Life DIY | EE 135” discusses the challenges faced by the creators in maintaining a self-contained power grid on their boat while living in remote places. The heart of their power grid is the battleborn lithium power bank, which can be recharged using solar panels attached to their Bimini and a diesel generator. However, they faced a problem with their engine’s alternator, as it was not designed to charge lithium batteries and could potentially cause damage. To overcome this, they decided to install a new alternator from Balmar, which has a higher amp capacity of 250 amps. This project involved serious wiring and setup, but they were hopeful that it would be a quick process. Additional components such as massive alternator wiring, new pulleys, and a battery monitor were also dealt with during this installation. Overall, this informative video provides insights into the DIY process of maintaining a reliable power grid system on a boat while exploring remote locations.
