CASE STUDY OF SPRINTER VAN LIMOUSINE CONVERSION

The company contacted ADVERC UK looking for recommendations as to how to install twin alternators in a vehicle with a design that faced constant problems due to insufficient charge. These vehicles are equipped with a 30,000 BTU air conditioning system, TV consoles, lights, etc. Drivers would deliver clients to their destinations and many times spend several hours waiting for them to return to the vehicles to be taken back to their living quarters, (hotels, etc). During this time they would idle the engines to run air conditioning and other appliances, creating a substantial load on the electrical system. As a consequence the engine would not start the next day due an insufficiently charged start battery. The company looking for a solution to this problem has added a number of auxiliary batteries, some very expensive AGM type batteries, and the general understanding is that by adding more alternator capacity, the problem of insufficient charge would be alleviated. Mr. Trevor Scarratt of ADVERC UK, suggested that an ADVERC Battery Management System be installed and referred them to the undersigned to aid in installation and demonstration of the ADVERC System. I proceeded to visit the work shop in Elkhart, IN, on January 18th.

VEHICLE

DODGE Sprinter 2006 model with 150 amp BOSCH Alternator. Equipped with one standard VARTA start battery and one VARTA 100Ah semi-traction vented auxiliary battery mounted under the passenger seat. The start battery separated from the auxiliary battery by a factory installed separator, which closes the charging circuit when the start battery reaches a voltage below 13.2 v. The batteries were very low with a voltage of 11.8 volts. The vehicle when run had no consumers activated beyond the head lights, which on these models comes on when starting the vehicle. All consumers are disconnected when the key is turned off.

Results

When idling the engine the conventionally regulated alternator produced a voltage output of 13.8 v. The amperage output was not recorded since it was generally understood that there would be no charging at idle.

After having installed and connected the ADVERC Battery Management System the alternator output at idle was 14.1v with an output of 60 amps. After approx. 5 minutes idling the voltage was 14.5 volts and the output 62 amps.

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Alternators

As is demonstrated by the ADVERC System, alternator amperage output is in direct relation to voltage. From this follows that an increase in alternator capacity whether single or twin mounted will have NO effect on the alternator amperage output. Any attempts to increase alternator amperage rating beyond what is needed to meet the maximum electrical loads in a vehicle, is simply wasted.

Idling speed

Although the amperage output when regulated by the ADVERC System increased dramatically, alternators might need higher rpm’s to properly supply electrical loads. These vehicles are equipped with increased idling speed kits, primarily for the air condition compressor to perform properly. I would like to make the point here though, that it is not good to run diesel engines at idle for any length of time. A higher idling speed is required to obtain a higher engine temperature and an oil pressure that prevents diesel fuel to wash off the lubrication from the cylinder walls. Smaller alternators also have higher efficiency at low speeds.

Batteries

With the ADVERC System installed there will be no drain on batteries, provided the idling speed is enough for the alternator. Any auxiliary batteries of any type are not needed in this application and should be eliminated. The very minute energy used for starting the engine is replaced during the first five minutes and will not put any demands on the charging system. This battery, fully charged, has enough capacity to handle some occasional electrical discharge caused by insufficient idle speed.

Separator

In this vehicle there is no need for a separator of the factory installed kind. It will not protect the start battery from draining until the voltage in the circuits have dropped to 13.2 volts. Such a low voltage is already causing extensive damage to batteries.

Voltage drops

Any engagement of fans, lights, refrigerators, TV consoles, causes voltage drops in the circuits, resulting in impaired charging capacity in conventional alternator systems. Batteries that are insufficiently charge with deteriorate rather quickly. The unique design of the ADVERC System counteracts such drops in micro seconds. It is harmful to run electric motors on too low voltages. The ADVERC System by maintaining the circuit voltage, considerable extends the life of electrical motors. As an example some customers have experienced a considerable drop in start motor failures. Likewise the life of batteries are extended exponentially.

Since unregulated voltage drop compensation can result in costly damages, it must be pointed out that the ADVERC System incorporates a number of safety features. The underlying principle is that batteries should be charged fully, quickly and without damage to batteries, alternators and vehicles. The ADVERC System has been tested at the Motor Industry Research Association for Electro Magnetic Compatibility to meet 95/64/EC, for use on vehicles, particularly specialist vehicles, such as ambulances and fire vehicles, (without which it cannot be fitted) though it really applies to all vehicles. For compliance any electrical equipment fitted must not impact normal running of the vehicle or cause malfunction, when it is running.

January 22, 2006

Sven A Norvell Power Premiums, LLC

ADVERC voltage control of the alternator and battery sensing, results in 100% state of charge compared with 60%-70% using standard regulation, at a faster rate of charge and safely.

By cycling the battery voltages above and below the gassing point of the battery, to an established program developed over 12 years, and by compensating for ambient temperature variations around the batteries.

ADVERC is a controller not a booster.