Explain alternator/ battery charging system to me please?

[The Camry]

How exactly does the relationship of the alternator to the battery work? i understand that if you get a HO alternator. Itll charge the battery faster and you wont have to worry about voltage drop but why does having a better battery help? what does a high end battery do for you?

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[n2audio 5,000+ posts]

This is a good question, and one I've asked myself a lot. I'm of the opinion that as long as the alternator has the necessary capacity high priced and/or add'l batteries aren't that beneficial. I think a good quality/healthy regular lead acid battery will do 99% of what an expensive one will do.

(On the other hand, if the alt is under-sized, a big battery might cover up the day-to-day issues, but the alt's going to fail eventually, then the quality of the battery won't really matter -- it's dying regardless).

I believe the mfg's claim their batteries are lower resistance than a typical battery - requiring a bit less energy from the alt to maintain their charge.

I'm guessing they also have a little more available power in that 14+ to 12.6v (float charge) range.

Maybe a $300 battery believer can shed some light on this.

 

[big scott]

How exactly does the relationship of the alternator to the battery work? i understand that if you get a HO alternator. Itll charge the battery faster and you wont have to worry about voltage drop but why does having a better battery help? what does a high end battery do for you?

the alt. makes the power, the batter holds that power.

when your alt. cant keep up then it pull power from battery. and thats a bad cycle as the alt. is always trying to keep the battery charges.

the first upgrade should be a alt. ( remember, alt. MAKES THE POWER ) then you can get a better battery.

a high end battery give you more capacity,, lower resistance ( meaning it will take and give power faster ) and being an amg ( glass mat type ) it can be installed upside down if you like....

now you dont have to buy an audio battery . many like the Duracell amp battery and there are a few others. these are like deep cycle amg type.

 

[FML 10+ year member]

This is a good question, and one I've asked myself a lot. I'm of the opinion that as long as the alternator has the necessary capacity high priced and/or add'l batteries aren't that beneficial. I think a good quality/healthy regular lead acid battery will do 99% of what an expensive one will do.(On the other hand, if the alt is under-sized, a big battery might cover up the day-to-day issues, but the alt's going to fail eventually, then the quality of the battery won't really matter -- it's dying regardless).

I believe the mfg's claim their batteries are lower resistance than a typical battery - requiring a bit less energy from the alt to maintain their charge.

I'm guessing they also have a little more available power in that 14+ to 12.6v (float charge) range.

Maybe a $300 battery believer can shed some light on this.

N2...this the same n2 that helps out on Yahoo answers? ! Lol

(Sorry, off topic)

 

[n2audio 5,000+ posts]

N2...this the same n2 that helps out on Yahoo answers? ! Lol
(Sorry, off topic)

yup

 

[FML 10+ year member]

yup

Crazy... you used to help me with questions on there a long time ago when I was younger and a n00b.

 

[yogegoy]

You can check this site for more info regarding the subject Basic Charging System for your Vehicle

 

[n2audio 5,000+ posts]

Crazy... you used to help me with questions on there a long time ago when I was younger and a n00b.

Been doing the forum thing for quite a while now.