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Optimum Charging revs
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Nasher
 


Member Since: 07 Mar 2009
Location: Clanfield, North of Pompey - UK
Posts: 2668

England 2016 Discovery 4 3.0 TDV6 HSE Lux Auto Loire BlueDiscovery 4
Optimum Charging revs

Does anyone know what the optimum engine revs is for battery charging from the alternator on my 65 plate D4 HSE Lux? At what speed is the Alternator at it's most efficient.
I know on older cars it was all about higher revs to give better Alternator output, but anything less than 20yrs old is more sophisticated than that.

like everyone else my D4 has been suffering through lack of use, so when I have to make a trip out to the shops I could take a little detour a couple of junctions up the A3 and back to get some charge in the battery and get it fully warmed up etc.

I believe that after a certain engine revs the alternator output is restricted electronically, and it would seem sensible for the alternator to be at it's most efficient at say @60*-75mph in top gear.

What I'm trying to get a handle on is whats the best strategy for charging, road speed wise.

Or put another way.
Is it better 'Theoretically' cruising at 70-80mph for a shorter period of time at higher revs.

Or, would more charge be put in the battery at say 60mph over the same distance covered where the engine revs are lower, but the time it's charging for is longer.
If that makes sense.

Nasher.
 Heaven doesn't want me, and hell is afraid I'll take over.  
Post #21443087th May 2020 6:29 pm
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Brian_DL13
 


Member Since: 25 Aug 2013
Location: Teesdale
Posts: 1418

United Kingdom 2014 Discovery 4 3.0 SDV6 HSE Auto Corris GreyDiscovery 4

I've seen it said (on here) that anything above about 1600 revs gets 'lost' and so around 1500 revs is the optimal.
  
Post #21443117th May 2020 6:47 pm
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Gareth
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Member Since: 07 Dec 2004
Location: Bramhall
Posts: 26683

United Kingdom 

On mine I have a volt meter connected and it goes up to over 15v depending on temperature, at idle speed. Raising the revs only increases it when there is a heavy load on, like heated seats and screens. Then I have to raise just above idle to get maximum volts.
  
Post #21443167th May 2020 6:56 pm
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Disco_Mikey
 


Member Since: 29 May 2007
Location: Dundee, Scotland
Posts: 20713

Scotland 2005 Discovery 3 TDV6 HSE Auto Cairns BlueDiscovery 3

Trickle charge overnight would be the best option, if available
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Post #21443327th May 2020 7:29 pm
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Washwipe
 


Member Since: 19 Apr 2013
Location: Bucks Oxon Herts Border
Posts: 3169

England 

Gareth wrote:
On mine I have a volt meter connected and it goes up to over 15v depending on temperature, at idle speed. Raising the revs only increases it when there is a heavy load on, like heated seats and screens. Then I have to raise just above idle to get maximum volts.


Same as mine, those plug in give you an idea of what is happening, accelerating it charges less, deceleration charges more
  
Post #21443487th May 2020 8:29 pm
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Disco_Mikey
 


Member Since: 29 May 2007
Location: Dundee, Scotland
Posts: 20713

Scotland 2005 Discovery 3 TDV6 HSE Auto Cairns BlueDiscovery 3

Exactly how the D4 smart charge system should work Thumbs Up
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TDV8 Retrofit Build Thread 
 
Post #21444128th May 2020 6:26 am
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Nasher
 


Member Since: 07 Mar 2009
Location: Clanfield, North of Pompey - UK
Posts: 2668

England 2016 Discovery 4 3.0 TDV6 HSE Lux Auto Loire BlueDiscovery 4

Thanks Guys, so it would appear a longer run at slower speed would be best.

I do understand that a trickle charger would be the best option, plugged in via the tow socket using one of the club adaptors, but I don't have one - yet.

How long are the leads on a Ctek?
And are the club Tow socket adaptors waterproof where they connect to the charger lead?

Do any of the Chargers the club supplies adaptors for have a longer lead?

Thanks

Nasher.
 Heaven doesn't want me, and hell is afraid I'll take over.  
Post #21444238th May 2020 7:14 am
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