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Need help figuring out max power I can run
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<blockquote data-quote="SbassLaser" data-source="post: 8860236" data-attributes="member: 686280"><p>amp draw is going to come into play regardless, that's how watts are calculated. What Hardofwhoring is suggesting is that you focus on upgrading your alternator instead of adding a second battery. That is definitely a valid option. I was suggesting batteries due to your original question stating that you had stock electrical and could add a second battery. </p><p>A high output alternator would definitely give you the ability to run more power. I like to be conservative with my numbers just to be on the safe side. Your vehicle will always have its own current draw when it's running, even with all accessories turned off. So you can reasonably assume that a good chunk of your stock alternator power is going to running the vehicle. Lets say 50 amps for simplicity. So if you can get a 300 amp alternator that would leave you with 250 amps. 250ampsX14voltsX0.8efficiency gives you 2800 watts. Thats a fairly ideal situation, if your voltage drops due to a load from something like the AC or your main battery being charged, then that 2800 watts will drop too. Another thing with alternators is that they dont put out full power when youre idling due to RPMs being lower. At idle that 300 amp alternator might only put out 150, significantly lowering the available power. So if you want to play music while youre parked, such as giving demos or at a competition, you will need to have extra battery reserve along with the alternator. If you only turn your system up while the car is moving (and therefore your RPMs are higher) then battery reserve is less of an issue.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="SbassLaser, post: 8860236, member: 686280"] amp draw is going to come into play regardless, that's how watts are calculated. What Hardofwhoring is suggesting is that you focus on upgrading your alternator instead of adding a second battery. That is definitely a valid option. I was suggesting batteries due to your original question stating that you had stock electrical and could add a second battery. A high output alternator would definitely give you the ability to run more power. I like to be conservative with my numbers just to be on the safe side. Your vehicle will always have its own current draw when it's running, even with all accessories turned off. So you can reasonably assume that a good chunk of your stock alternator power is going to running the vehicle. Lets say 50 amps for simplicity. So if you can get a 300 amp alternator that would leave you with 250 amps. 250ampsX14voltsX0.8efficiency gives you 2800 watts. Thats a fairly ideal situation, if your voltage drops due to a load from something like the AC or your main battery being charged, then that 2800 watts will drop too. Another thing with alternators is that they dont put out full power when youre idling due to RPMs being lower. At idle that 300 amp alternator might only put out 150, significantly lowering the available power. So if you want to play music while youre parked, such as giving demos or at a competition, you will need to have extra battery reserve along with the alternator. If you only turn your system up while the car is moving (and therefore your RPMs are higher) then battery reserve is less of an issue. [/QUOTE]
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Need help figuring out max power I can run
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