- Van… does a Victron MPPT solar controller detect engine start and alternator charging and protect itself and battery? Or do I need a battery protector?
asked
Van… Does a MPPT Controller detect alternator charging
I do not know about a van, but on both my current and previous boats I do/did not have a battery protect nor any similar device. The MPPT does not have any engine detect, when the engine starts if the alternator delivers a higher voltage than the MPPT then the MPPT drops to 0 amp output. If the battery is drawing a lot of current and the voltage is below the MPPT absorb setting then both the alternator and the MPPT supply current. An alternator and MPPT usually work together OK.
Agree with @pwfarnell and can confirm this is how it works on my van.
However I'd add that if the van has a smart alternator, you should check the max alternator voltage is not too high for the MPPT and other components in the leisure side.
