Thank you so much. Now I understand.

Mark


"Stan Blazejewski" wrote in message
...
From an electronics point of view the alternator with the highest
'voltage' will
be doing all the work the other will be just free-wheeling. If they are
the
same voltage, one will 'assist' the other but not to the total of the
both.

I expect that the 20A alternator will do most of the work, the 10A will
simply
pick up speed till it starts to get loaded at the same voltage as the 20A
alternator

There are always variables, for example, the 10A unit may be more
efficient at
low wind & will start charging first but the 20A unit will take over when
the
wind picks up. (not a bad combination really)

PS, wind alternators 'should' have isolation diode already built in even
if its
just the rectifier diodes.

On Thu, 04 May 2006 20:01:31 GMT, "Mark Newcomb"

wrote:

Thanks for the Info. I appreciate it.
I agree that I will need diodes, but let me rephrase the question:
Will both generators be charging the bank at the same time? In other
words,
if one generator is putting out 20 amps at 14 volts, and the other is
putting out 10 amps at 14 volts, does that mean that the batteries will
"see" 30 amps at 14 volts? Will the batteries "see" only 20 amps? Only
10
amps? What happens when 1 generator is putting out 20 amps at 14 volts,
while the other is putting out 20 amps at 13.9 volts?

Mark

"Rick Cortese" wrote in message
nk.net...
Mark Newcomb wrote:
I have a question that I would appreciate an answer to from anyone who
has a clue.

My question is this: can you have 2 generators (or alternators)
charging
the same battery bank at the same time? For example, if I have 2 wind
generators will they both charge my house bank simultaneously? Or, can
only one generator/alternator be in use at one time?

IMO: Could cause problems. It would be safer if you put at least one
blocking diode or rectifier in the circuit. Maybe a selenium rectifiers
that is rated at current qs to handle the generators output like those
used in motorcycles.

--

Australia isn't "down under", it's "off to one side"!


www.cobracat.com (home of the Australian Cobra Catamaran)
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/cobra-cat/