KlarmannDual Battery Systems

Dual battery systems: for power when you need it

Dual Battery System are what we are passionate about! At our Perth workshop, we have designed and installed numerous dual battery systems specifically tailored to the each customer using state of the art products from Redarc, Victron, Intervolt and EGON. We put your needs in the center of our designs! Each system is tailored to your actual requirements so you end up having exactly what you need for your lifestyle.

Dual Battery systems have become a more and more complex subject over the last 2 decades. With a lot of car manufacturers steering away from constant voltage
alternators, the proper charging of a deep cycle battery has become impossible with newer alternators. Car manufacturers have started using temperature compensating and ecu controlled alternators which will lower their voltage output depending on different driving situations

Temperature compensating alternators will reduce charge voltage with rising
temperature of the alternator. After approximately a 20–30 min charge voltage will be reduced to 13.2 volts. At this voltage level a deep cycle battery will not charge properly.

Dual battery system installation in Perth: Alternators

Ecu controlled alternators are even more complex and can stop charge output for short periods of time altogether. This is dependent on different driving situations like heavy  accelerating, charge level of the start battery, etc.

This gives us 3 different alternator scenarios. Another issue is the battery that is being used in the setup. Everything else but a standard lead acid deep cycle battery should be charged with a dc/dc charger.

Constant voltage output alternator

A battery isolator (smart isolator relay) system will work well with standard lead acid batteries and a constant voltage output alternator. Every other battery than a standard lead acid (hybrid, deep cycle or start) should not be charged directly with an alternator but always with a dc/dc charger if you want to use the full capacity and lifespan of your battery.

Temperature compensating alternator

A dc/dc charger with voltage sensitive charging on/off setting will work well with this alternator. This setup is also able to charge a wide variety of batteries properly (Lead Acid, AGM, GEL, Lithium). One thing to be careful about in this setup is to choose the right battery for your installation position. For under bonnet mounts, a standard lead acid deep cycle or a Century Dual Force AGM battery are your best options. Fullriver AGM batteries have also been known to last in under bonnet installations but lose their warranty.

Get in touch

Things To Consider for dual battery system installation

It is important to check the manufacturer information on the battery you are using to find out if your battery can cope with the high temperatures that it will have to endure under the bonnet. Bottom line here is that most batteries will last in an under bonnet installation but they will lose their capacity quicker than in an installation where they are not being exposed to high temperatures. Ideally AGM, GEL and Lithium batteries are used inside the cabin, your camper, canopy, etc… these batteries do not gas out like lead acid batteries and don’t necessarily need ventilation. That said in some scenarios (especially for Lithium batteries) you might ventilation to keep the battery temperature e down.

For ecu controlled alternators, a dc/dc charger with ignition trigger works best in this setup. Some manufacturers can disable the “smart” alternator feature, in that case it is best to do so and then use a dc/dc charger with voltage sensing or a battery isolator, depending on your choice of battery. If you can not disable the “smart” feature an ignition triggered dc/dc charger is your only option. Your choice of battery is the same as it is for temperature compensating alternators.

We have Redarc, Intervolt, Enerdrive and EGON power management charging systems ready and available, and can combine them for you with Century AGM or Standard Lead Acid, Fullriver AGM or Amptron and Enerdrive Lithium batteries to build the dual battery that is right for you.

Get in touch for a free consultation.

At Klarmann, we specialise in high quality auto electrics. We’re a WA owned and operated business, and we love to hear from customers. If you’ve still got questions about dual battery systems, get in touch with us today, and we’ll be happy to help. 

Contact Us