Car alternator question

[SamTexas]

Any expert on alternators here?

So alternators output around 13.5 to 14.4V. Let's say 14.4V max for the sake of this discussion. What happens when the 12V lead acid battery is replaced with an imaginary 16.0V (actual, not surface charge voltage) battery. Will the alternator be ruined? Why or why not?

Thanks.

 

[salty9]

Shouldn't be.The output is controlled by a voltage regulator. I understand an alternator is capable of generating a higher voltage. Probably wouldn't fully charge the battery with the OEM regulator.

 

[NeilP]

Agree. yo are unlikely to damage the alternator, but you won't ever fully charge the battery.

Why are you asking ? planning on fitting a LiPo race pack battery to the car ?

 

[salty9]

This site http://www.lithiummoto.com/faq.html claims there is no problem. Seems expensive tho.

 

[SamTexas]

Thanks guys for the replies .

salty9: 4s LiFePO4 is a direct replacement. It never goes to 16.0V. No issue there.
NeilP: Yes I was toying with the idea of 4s LiCo charged to 3.8 to 4.0V per cell.

Anyway, sounds like you guys are saying that there exists a diode between the alternator and the battery thereby preventing electric flow from the battery. Right?

The other question I have in mind is how to modify (if possible) the voltage regulator so that max output voltage is around 15.6V? I know older cars have a seperate voltage regulator. But in modern cars the regulator is part of the alternator. Any idea?

 

[John in CR]

Finally getting your Z ready for the big race? I hate to break it to you but my ebike is still going to win even if you put a lighter battery on the car.

 

[SamTexas]

...