Technical smart alternator

[oldrich sevcik]

Hi, I need some advice. I have a 2020 Ducato 2.3 180 HP. Today, while driving, I noticed that my alternator didn't increase the voltage to the battery as it used to, around 13-14V, but it keeps the voltage at 12.3V while driving. However, during deceleration, it spikes to 14.3V (I know it has a smart alternator). This is a problem for me because I have a Victron XS charger connected to the alternator, but it only activates at 13V or higher. I hope I described it well.

 

[jackwhoo]

Hi,

Your description is very good.

Your alternator is behaving exactly as it should.

You question cones up very often and has been covered frequently.



Best wishes

Jack

 

[deejays]

Hi, I need some advice. I have a 2020 Ducato 2.3 180 HP. Today, while driving, I noticed that my alternator didn't increase the voltage to the battery as it used to, around 13-14V, but it keeps the voltage at 12.3V while driving. However, during deceleration, it spikes to 14.3V (I know it has a smart alternator). This is a problem for me because I have a Victron XS charger connected to the alternator, but it only activates at 13V or higher. I hope I described it well.

Perhaps you need to check the settings as the specifications show it is capable of supplying charge from as low as 9V input. I don't own one, but I just glanced through the manual and there is quite a bit of detailed setup required, if you want anything other than the basic default settings.

 

[oldrich sevcik]

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Is there any way to force a smart alternator to charge continuously like traditional alternators used to?
thaks
Oldrich

 

[jackwhoo]

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Is there any way to force a smart alternator to charge continuously like traditional alternators used to?
thaks
Oldrich

Do not try and do that....You will cause yourself big problems with the other systems in the vehicle that are interconnected computers.

 

[jackwhoo]

Your best option is a b2b charger connected between the the vehicle battery and leisure battery.

 

[jackwhoo]

If you have a victron Orion xs correctly installed it should do everything you want.

"2.2. Features
Smart alternator compatibility
It is common for vehicle manufacturers to install "smart" ECU (Engine Control Unit) controlled alternators to increase fuel
efficiency and reduce emissions. Smart alternators provide variable output voltage and shut down when not needed. The Orion
XS has an integrated mechanism that detects whether the engine is running (engine shutdown detection), so the charger is only
activated when the alternator is supplying power. This ensures that the charger only draws power when the alternator supplies
power. See the Engine shutdown detection [12] chapter for more information."

Download and read the victron manual.

 

[deejays]

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Is there any way to force a smart alternator to charge continuously like traditional alternators used to?
thaks
Oldrich

Yes, there is. The simple method is to disconnect the sense wire from the earth current shunt at the starter battery. This disables the ECM from monitoring the charge/discharge current of the starter battery and will likely force it into a "dumb "mode - fixed voltage regulated output (traditional alternator) as it can no longer calculate the state of charge of the battery. I have done this to another vehicle I own (not a FIAT) and it works very well. It does cause a warning to be displayed for about 5 seconds every time I start the vehicle, but that is all. Over five years since and no other issues whatsoever. However, be warned - the Ducato may or may not respond in a similar way. It is up to you to make the decision if you want to test it. It may cause the ECM to throw a hissy fit! (But likely reversible). The other thing it will likely cause is the star/stop mechanism to cease as well - which is why I disabled it on my vehicle.