Mark Newcomb wrote:
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...

I'm pretty sure you don't have to split them.

I can't recall the right term, something like excited field alternator.
Anyway the wind generators are actually alternators with a magnet in
them to get away from the problem of completely discharged batteries.

All the circuitry to prevent reverse flow is integral in their design.
That is unless you happened to pick up a couple some farmer made out of
old automotive generators.grin

If you are using any wind generator that is currently marketed for the pleasure boat industry and that wind generator has not been modified this will be the result of connecting multiple generators in parallel:

As long as the voltage of the bank of batteries being charged is below the free wheeling voltage* of the generators the generators will charge the batteries in proportion to their output. i.e., #1 gen = 20A #2 gen = 10A then #1 will supply 66% of the total charging current while #2 supplies 33%.

If the voltage of the batteries being charged ever reaches the free wheeling voltage of one of the generators then that generator will not contribute to the charging until the battery voltage falls below the free wheeling voltage again.

free wheeling voltage* is the voltage of the generator measured with it disconnected from the batteries.