First off, the reason I'm posting this here is because of the impressive knowledge base in this sub-forum. The way you guys rattle off part numbers and quick answers is astonishing.


Q: If I wanted to, for all practical purposes, run my car off of a bunch of "D" batteries and no alternator, what type of device would I need to stabilize the output voltage to match the vehicle requirements?

Since our cars are seemingly sensitive to voltage changes (hence the market for Grounding Kits, et. al.) is there a capacitor, line conditioner, dilithium crystal or other device that would allow a DC source to replicate the alternator's output?

Thanks.

 

What you're looking for is a voltage regulator. What all is involved in a voltage regulator I do not know. It regulates the power output to a contstant voltage.

Obviously you are not looking at running your car off of a bunch of D batteries (I hope). If you are (God help you), the problem you will run into is starting the car, not actually powering it once it has started.

Of course, my curiosity is up, so whenever you feel like sharing the real reason behing this question, I'd love to hear it

 

Thanks for the reply.

I am, indeed, looking to regulate (thx amthar) the voltage, but also to provide a similar amperage flow to simulate the alternator's output, abeit from a DC source.

 

You'll have a hard time find anything that can put out amps like a car alternator can. Well, other than a car battery - and even then, it will do it for limited periods of time. A capacitor can be used to "buffer" the voltage line (and minimize drop outs), but only for fractions of a second.

If you're planning on running your car off of an AC line, you're gonna need one heck of an AC to DC converter.

Why do want to regulate DC voltage or provide flow to similate the alternator's output?

 

are you trying to get an external DC power supply to run 12 volt audio? that can a little expensive also. I don't know the numbers but getting 14.4 volts w200 amp surges cost quite a bit

Mark

 

I think we're getting closer; thanks for the replies.

I like the idea of using a car battery, but how would one convert 12-13.2 volts into a steady, regulated 14.4v for the duration of the charge?

 

Alright, alright. Nobody will talk without me spilling the beans, eh?

Race Car = no alternator, no A/C, no smog, but OEM computer.

OEM computer = very sensitive to voltage changes.

Me = needing solution

Thanks.

 

The computer circuits in our cars already regulate voltage, probably from 10-15V down to a 5V level if not 3.3V. I would need to look at the specs for the ECU to be sure of course, but almost all IC chips (and other solid state devices) run off 5V or less.

So all you need is an efficient DC/DC power supply (try www.opussolutions.com). The more expensive units can even take voltages as low as 9 or 10V and still supply consistent 12V, 5V, and 3.3V rails - but they are designed for ATX (PC based) motherboards - you'd have to hack into the wiring (and "trick" it into turning on, etc).

My 150W opus can power my carPC off of the battery alone for over an hour without draining the battery to the point where it will no longer crank (use a dry cell if you want to be able to recharge it from a deep discharge, such as the Optima yellow top series).

Good luck!

 

Google Jacobs Accuvolt. It's a DC-Dc supply.

 

http://www.powerstream.com

has alot of regulators. and coverters.

But, your power supply should be able to handle most of the typical power fluctuations. But I really think you are taking the hard road for no good reason. I suggest just getting a DC-AC converter then throw in a battery backup unit and then just plug your PC in with a normal power supply.

 

Thanks for all the replies, guys.