Marine, Boat and Water Craft Usage

It is now possible to install a single Charge Partner on power boats with 2 batteries, linked by a selector switch, by using an inexpensive solid-state adapter available from Solartech.

The CP-12 (Charge Partner) derives it's power from Battery 2 (the one that is the 'engine-off power source'). While on shore power, the CP-12 activates when Battery 2 is greater than 13.2V. Pulses are passed via the adapter to both batteries even when the selector switch set to 'Off'. When you select 'Battery 1' to start the engine (here I assume that shore power is off), the CP-12 is off.

With the engine running and the selector in the 'Battery 2' or 'Both' position the CP-12 pulses both batteries. Now... should Battery 2 fail, Battery 1 will not discharge through the adapter into Battery 2 (although it may via the selector switch if it is set to "Both'). If Battery 1 fails (or runs low due to excessive cranking) Battery 2 begins to discharge into Battery 1 through the adapter. However, once this discharge current exceeds 1.5 A, a circuit breaker opens and remains this way until the fault is removed (i.e. until Battery 1 is charged up or disconnected and removed... not just switched off via the selector switch). Pulsing of Battery 2 continues as normal when the breaker is open, just as long as the voltage in Battery 2 exceeds 13.2V. Once the voltage in Battery 1 meets or exceeds that of Battery 2 (within 0.6V), the breaker resets automatically and pulsing of Battery 1 resumes.

For more information e-mail us or contact:

Ian Davies
Applications Specialist
Solartech Products
Winnipeg, MB, Canada
(204) 885-4652