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Capacitor in Kitfox Elec. System?

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darinh

Joined: 20 Apr 2006
Posts: 327
Location: Utah

Posted: Wed Dec 26, 2007 8:37 am Post subject: Capacitor in Kitfox Elec. System?

Can someone explain the reasons for having the big capacitor in the electrical system on our kitfoxes?  My diagram shows it on the discharge of the alternator...is this simply to even out peaks from the alternator or does it serve another purpose?  I am running a dual alternator setup and don't expect to use the onboard alternator much at all (only if the primary dies on me) so is this capacitor really necessary?  If this is an ignorant question, please forgive me as I am really a complete novice when it comes to electronics.

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Darin Hawkes
Series 7
914 Turbo
Kaysville, Utah

wingsdown(at)verizon.net
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Posted: Wed Dec 26, 2007 9:27 am Post subject: Capacitor in Kitfox Elec. System?

It should suppress any electrical noise you might get. Should probably

have one on each alternator. If your not getting any noise then you

probably don't need them. 



Rick



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darinh

Joined: 20 Apr 2006
Posts: 327
Location: Utah

Posted: Wed Dec 26, 2007 10:08 am Post subject: Re: Capacitor in Kitfox Elec. System?

Thanks Rick, could you just use shielded wire for the alternators to minimize noise?

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Darin Hawkes
Series 7
914 Turbo
Kaysville, Utah

KITFOXZ(at)aol.com
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Posted: Wed Dec 26, 2007 10:18 am Post subject: Capacitor in Kitfox Elec. System?

The capacitor in your ship's wiring diagram is a  very important component.  It filters or "smoothes" the output voltage  pulses from your alternator before voltage spikes or "bumps" can do harm to  your voltage regulator or your avionics items.  It is also a component that  helps to accomplish voltage stability in your voltage regulator and to your  entire electrical system.

  

 Consider comparing that capacitor to a large  water tank: 

  

 In the bottom of the water tank is an  open valve for drawing water (ship's power).  Voltage pulses from your  ship's alternator are like buckets of water being added to the water tank  (capacitor).  The stream of water coming out of your water tank's valve is  smooth and little change in water volume or pressure is noted as each  bucket of water is poured in to the top of the tank.  A voltage pulse  from your alternator is stored in the capacitor in much the same way that a  bucket of water is stored in the water tank.

  

 During the time that the alternator's output is  zero (the time between output pulses), the capacitor supplies an even voltage to  your electrical system with little droop in output voltage.  During  the time that the alternator's output voltage pulse is well over nominal  voltage, the capacitor absorbs the spike in much the same way as the water tank  that has a larger than normal bucket of water dumped in to it.  The  output water stream "feels" little change. 

  

      

 John P.  Marzluf "John Z"

Columbus, Ohio

Series V Outback (still out back in the  garage)

Do Not Archive



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  [quote][b]

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darinh

Joined: 20 Apr 2006
Posts: 327
Location: Utah

Posted: Wed Dec 26, 2007 11:12 am Post subject: Re: Capacitor in Kitfox Elec. System?

John,



This is what I understood the capacitor to do.  Then the question is...should I have one of these on both alternators?  And what size should the second on be (40 amp alternator output)?

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Darin Hawkes
Series 7
914 Turbo
Kaysville, Utah

wingsdown(at)verizon.net
Guest

Posted: Wed Dec 26, 2007 11:18 am Post subject: Capacitor in Kitfox Elec. System?

I think the type of noise you want to shield is in the circuit and not

what is generated from say weak plug wires. At least that was my

understanding. I know there are folks way smarter on the subject than me

though. 



Rick



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Posted: Wed Dec 26, 2007 12:22 pm Post subject: Capacitor in Kitfox Elec. System?

In a message dated 12/26/2007 2:15:00 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,  gerns25(at)netscape.net writes:

  	  Quote: 	
		  John,



This is what I understood the capacitor to do.  Then    the question is...should I have one of these on both alternators?  And    what size should the second on be (40 amp alternator    output)?



--------

Darin Hawkes

Series 7 (under    Construction)

914 Turbo

Ogden, Utah 	


 

 Yes.  Size is not critical.  Two of  the same would be fine.  You could even share the cap. with both  alternators if your configuration is to switch out the primary but failed alt.  and switch in the back up one.

  

 If your intention is to have two complete and  independent power sources you will need two alternators, two filter capacitors,  two regulators, two batteries, a primary and an alternate power bus, etc.    

 John P.  Marzluf "John Z"

Columbus, Ohio

Series V Outback (still out back in the  garage)

Do Not Archive



See AOL's top rated recipes and easy ways to stay in shape for winter.

  [quote][b]

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wingsdown(at)verizon.net
Guest

Posted: Wed Dec 26, 2007 2:51 pm Post subject: Capacitor in Kitfox Elec. System?

Yes one on each. Small.  



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darinh

Joined: 20 Apr 2006
Posts: 327
Location: Utah

Posted: Wed Dec 26, 2007 4:01 pm Post subject: Re: Capacitor in Kitfox Elec. System?

Thanks guys for the info.  I have installed the optional alternator because the onboard one is not quite enough for what I have.  So rather than simply let the onboard alternator sit unused, I have wired them on a switch and relay so in the event that my primary alternator goes, I will at least be able to operate my primary electronic items.  The other alternator has the regulator built in, so I have two regulators and two alternators but only one battery.



I like John's idea of sharing the capacitor between the two as I will never have both alternators providing power at the same time.



Thanks,

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Darin Hawkes
Series 7
914 Turbo
Kaysville, Utah

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