[C320-list] generator question

[Robert Seastream]

The generator is more than enough to power your 120 VAC powered  
battery charger, and then some.  We'll take your conservative guess  
and presume your chargers max output is 12 VDC @ 10 amps.  Ohms' law  
states that P = E x I (or watts = voltage x current).  If your power  
consumption is ~120 AH/day, or 1440 watts (12 volts X 120 amps =1440  
watts), then it should take the charger ~10 hours to replace the 120  
AH (12 volts X 10 amps/hour = 120 watts X 12 hours = 1440 watts) you  
drained from the batteries.  However, your charger output is likely  
around 14 VDC, so the recharge time will be somewhat less; perhaps ~8  
hours?  I think I've got Ohms' law right but others on the list may be  
better versed than I, so if I'm all wet, someone please step up.

Bob Seastream
Intuition # 906


On Feb 7, 2010, at 7:07 PM, Andrew Santangelo wrote:

> Are you using the generator to only charge your batteries? If so you  
> may want to consider just putting in a higher output altenator on  
> the engine. Far more efficient, no need to carry two fuels, no loss  
> of space due to the generator, and a cheaper solution overall. I  
> have sailed my C320 extensively with lots of electrical items and  
> this has worked fine.
>
> Now if running AC, hair dryer, TV, microwave in the open water or at  
> anchor that is another story.
>
> Best regards,
> Andrew
> C320 Dawn Treader
> #333
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On Feb 7, 2010, at 2:59 PM, Paul Adison <pjaarch at verizon.net> wrote:
>
>> I am considering the purchase of a Honeywell 1000i gasoline  
>> generator for the times I am cruising.  It is a 1000w generator  
>> producing 7.5amps @ 120volts.  I am assuming that i am using 120ah  
>> per 24hour period give or take while under sail.  I am assuming  
>> that the battery charger is 10amps and not 15 although I don't  
>> know.  Can anyone tell me how long I will need to run the generator  
>> at night to charge the batteries back up?
>>
>> Paul Adison
>> S/V "Rough Draft" _/ )
>> C320 #722
>>
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