Here is the pertimnant part of my original question. If I had 2 wind
generators (for example) and wanted to use them to both charge the batteries
while sailing, would I have to "split" the house bank so that I was actually
using both generators at the same time. The answer I receieved (I think)
points to "yes, you would split the house batteries during charging, with
each generator charging a separate bank."
"Rick Cortese" wrote in message
et...
Jeff wrote:
Rick Cortese wrote:

Jeff wrote:

There is no problem that I know of. My boat (and several hundred

sister ships) has twin engine that feed a house bank with no diodes,
etc. In addition, many have solar panels and/or wind generators that
are always connected. Further, they use a combiner to also charge two
starting batteries, and it all magically works.



Alternators 'cept the solar panel which probably has blocking diodes
which have diodes built in. The OP may have misspoke but he included
generator.

I'm just old enough to remember old style generators that we used to
hook up to 12V batterys to see them run. I seem to recall my family had
a pit bike type minibike made out of a 12V lead acid automotive battery
hooked to a generator/drive motor for riding around the farm *but* I am
really foggy on that one. My memory of things in the 50's is really bad.


Is your point that without blocking one generator would try to run the
other as a motor? Interesting point, although it doesn't apply to
alternators.

Right. More info then you probably want or need, but the old systems only
used relays to isolate the generator when a set point was reached. The
phase+DC was picked off permanent magnet generator by brushes on the
armature.

I admit it probably doesn't apply but I have seen a lot of equipment that
is cheaply designed so it can hit a price point. Things from arc welders
to battery chargers that limit current by the amount of iron in the
transformer rather then real current limiting circuitry. I wouldn't trust
anything until it has been checked to see if blocks current.