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Drawing power from battery at idle

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  #1  
Old 07-07-2021 | 11:55 AM
Gerald Mucci's Avatar
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Default Drawing power from battery at idle RPMs

I have a 2017 CX-5. If the vehicle is idling and I'm drawing power from the cigarette lighter outlet or directly from the battery, will the engine increase its idle speed for the alternator to keep up with the battery discharge rate? I am charging an external battery/power supply from the vehicle. Maximum draw from external device is limited by the device to 400 watts.

Another way to ask my question: What does the vehicle do, when idling, if more wattage is drawn than what the alternator produces at idle RPMs?

Another way to ask my question: How many watts does the alternator produce at idle RPMs?

The battery is rated at 450 CCA, and the alternator produces 100 amps at max RPM. The battery is >3 years old and will be operating in temps greater than 90 degrees F.
 

Last edited by Gerald Mucci; 07-07-2021 at 02:51 PM.
  #2  
Old 07-07-2021 | 06:30 PM
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The accessory sockets are rated for 10 Amps. If your power supply draws more than that, It might draw down the battery.
It should also cause the "battery" light to illuminate.
I don't think the engine RPMs will increase to compensate.

My 2¢
 
  #3  
Old 07-07-2021 | 11:41 PM
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Originally Posted by Gerald Mucci
I have a 2017 CX-5. If the vehicle is idling and I'm drawing power from the cigarette lighter outlet or directly from the battery, will the engine increase its idle speed for the alternator to keep up with the battery discharge rate? I am charging an external battery/power supply from the vehicle. Maximum draw from external device is limited by the device to 400 watts.

Another way to ask my question: What does the vehicle do, when idling, if more wattage is drawn than what the alternator produces at idle RPMs?

Another way to ask my question: How many watts does the alternator produce at idle RPMs?



The battery is rated at 450 CCA, and the alternator produces 100 amps at max RPM. The battery is >3 years old and will be operating in temps greater than 90 degrees F.
Mazda Skyactiv ECU programing.
NO.
Although the computer will regulate the alternator for charging output it will not adjust the engine speed for a high voltage demand at engine idle. This goes back to emission standards which would increase emission if a ECU was programed to increase idle speed based on voltage demand. If you need more amperage output at low engine speeds or idle currently to achieve it is with a high capacity alternator or eventually someone may offer a full access aftermarket ECU Calibration program and interface adapter to the diagnostic connector to allow changes your ECU cell that controls idle speed settings.
Your information on the battery is only for starting and not load specification. However I would get your battery health tested. Your battery may be older then your think as well. Look for the date code that is melted in the top area of the battery box, NOT the sticker on the battery which can be changed and frequently are during the cycling of old stock batteries by the battery suppliers to the retailers, nor is it your invoice that only says when you purchased the battery.
Alternator output is normally measured in AMPs not watts. You can do the math to convert amps into watts but that method is seldom used? If you are using a device like a 12 volt power converter you really need to carefully read the requirement and specifications before using it on your MAZDA or any vehicle for the matter.

You may also want to STRONGLY consider adding addition and larger ground and power cable from the alternator to the battery if your are going to use high draw electrical devices.
Funny I just ordered a High Output Alternator today and that is actually why I am responding in your thread. I also added larger and more power and ground cables.
https://www.mazdaforum.com/forum/maz...ispreloading=1

Originally Posted by Iliketoguess
The accessory sockets are rated for 10 Amps. If your power supply draws more than that, It might draw down the battery.
It should also cause the "battery" light to illuminate.
I don't think the engine RPMs will increase to compensate.

My 2¢
um... the reason it is rated at 10 amps is because the circuit protection which is a fuse in that MAZDA so if you exceed a 10 amp power draw the fuse protecting that circuit will blow.
If the battery light is activated on Skyactiv model it is because of a charging problem output from the alternator , a failing ECU , poor cable quality or connection, or a battery that is unable to support the amps from the alternator even if the battery is shown to have 12+ volts. In this case load testing the battery would likely reveille a bad battery
But you did get the engine speed correct even if you were questing! .

A cheat some of us have done with other platforms and having full access to the ECU setting is to use the AC activation scaling and copy and paste it on the idle speed cell setting in the ECU. This way you can always have up to 650RPM idle speeds . Naturally you can spend about an hour and re-adjust the complete ide speed setting if you need more the a 650rpm idle speed. This idle speed changes are mostly done when camshaft upgrades with a higher overlap was installed. But it also works with those having high end stereo systems with multiple high amp draw stereo amplifiers.


 

Last edited by Callisto; 07-08-2021 at 12:09 AM.
  #4  
Old 07-08-2021 | 10:01 AM
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Question about cigarette lighter output fusing and alternative connection method:

The CX-5 manual, page 6-53 states "OUTLET" 25A fuse rating, Accessory sockets.
Then that table continues on pages 6-53,54 stating: R. OUTLET3 15A; R. OUTLET2 15A; R. OUTLET1 15A.

Should I interpret that to mean all outlets together are limited to 25 amps, and individual outlets are limited to 15 amps each?

My 12 volt plug that fits in those outlets draws a maximum of 10 amps to charge my Ecoflow Delta battery pack. The end of that plug, after charging the pack for a few minutes gets quite hot. Is that normal? I assured the plug was firmly inserted; the vehicle was stationary, no vibration.

In addition to the ability to get charged from the Accessory outlet, with its 10 amp input limit, it can also be charged through its solar input, also with a 10 amp input limit. In emergencies, I was considering charging the unit from my CX-5 with battery clamps directly on the battery. This method would avoid the accessory/lighter plug from getting hot - I've seen photos of these plugs melting at 10 amps over an extended time period.

Here is the battery pack and related charging specs:

Specs

Net Weight

30.9lbs (14kg)

Dimension

15.7 x 8.3 x 10.6 in (40 x 21 x 27 cm)

Charge Temperature

32 to 113°F (0 to 45°C)

Discharge Temperature

-4 to 113°F (-20 to 45°C)

Color

Gray & black

Warranty

24 months

Charge Method

AC Wall Outlet, 12V Car Adaptor, Solar Panel

Full Recharge Time

1.6 Hours (AC) 10-12 Hours (12/24V Car Adaptor) 4-8 Hours (Using 4x 110W Solar Panels in parallel) 3.5-7 Hours (Using 3x 160W Solar Panels)

Capacity

1260Wh (50.4V)

Cell Chemistry

Lithium-ion

Shelf Life

1 year (after fully charged)

Life Span

800 Cycles to 80%+ capacity

Management Systems

BMS, Over Voltage Protection, Overload Protection, Over Temperature Protection, Short Circuit Protection, Low Temperature Protection, Low Voltage Protection, Overcurrent Protection.

Testing and certification

UL CE FCC RoHS PSE

Cell Type

18650

AC Charge Input Power

X-Stream charge (1200W max)

AC Charge Input Voltage

100-120Vac (50Hz/60Hz)

Solar Charge Input

400W 10-65V DC 10A max

Car Charger

12V/24V DC 10A max

AC Output (x6)

1800W total (Surge 3300W), 120Vac (60Hz)

USB-A Output (x2)

5V DC, 2.4A, 12W Max, per port

USB-A Fast Charge (x2)

5V/2.4A,9V/2A,12V/1.5A 18W Max

USB-C Output (x2)

5V DC, 9V DC, 15V DC, 20V DC, 3A, 60W Max, per port

Car Power Output (x1)

108.8W, 13.6V DC, 8A max
 

Last edited by Gerald Mucci; 07-08-2021 at 10:19 AM.
  #5  
Old 07-08-2021 | 10:10 AM
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Originally Posted by Gerald Mucci
Question about cigarette lighter output fusing:

The CX-5 manual, page 6-53 states "OUTLET" 25A fuse rating, Accessory sockets.
Then that table continues on pages 6-53,54 stating: R. OUTLET3 15A; R. OUTLET2 15A; R. OUTLET1 15A.

Should I interpret that to mean all outlets together are limited to 25 amps, and individual outlets are limited to 15 amps each?
The power leads of accessory plugs you choose to use are protected by the fuse associated with them under the dash in the fuse panel. DO NOT exceed the amp rating of the fuse.
It is as simple as that. I read you other thread and you may be making it more confusing then it is?

I suggest that if you are going to be running high amp accessories to install a dedicated fuse block powered by its own lead directly to the battery.
It is not difficult to do consisting of either a simple power lead and fuse block or better yet an additional relay for a combination accessory circuit?
 
  #6  
Old 07-08-2021 | 10:26 AM
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Ok so editing your first post does not help.... but I did see it only because I was looking.

So go to page 12 of your EcoFlow DELTA Power Station manual. While I see that you are being careful your unit (really great quality BTW) has it own protection for both the the vehicle as a charging source and its own internal power input protection. Unless I totally read something wrong most any power outlet designated for power accessories without a specific limitation outlined in your OWNERS MANUAL for their use can be used for charging your Delta unit.

But....if it were me personally I would still consider a stand alone charging circuit?


CAUTION: Before you start to use that or any other aftermarket accessory I would highly recommend to have the battery load tested!
 

Last edited by Callisto; 07-08-2021 at 10:28 AM.
  #7  
Old 07-08-2021 | 10:31 AM
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I had no intention of exceeding fuse ratings. I never implied that. I noted that the CX-5 manual states, if I interpret it correctly, that the outlets are fused at 15 amps, not 10 amps as was stated in an earlier post.

I also asked if it is normal for a 10amp draw on the accessory outlets to get hot after a few minutes.

I also stated that to avoid the excessive heat buildup in the accessory plugs, I was considering using a direct connection to the battery with a fused cord to my battery pack to avoid the heat issue in the accessory outlet.

How am I making this more confusing than it is?
 
  #8  
Old 07-08-2021 | 10:35 AM
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[QUOTE=Callisto;196362]Ok so editing your first post does not help.... but I did see it only because I was looking.

I wasn't expecting you to be so responsive. THANKS!!!!


 
  #9  
Old 07-08-2021 | 10:35 AM
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Make sure you completely understand and read the user manual. If you are going to use it as a power source running motor driven item like drills, vacuum cleaners, cooking mixers, etc. these items have a higher starting power draw so don't have to many connected and starting up at the same time. If you must use multiple motor driven assertories stage there use . If in doubt contact the manufacture and talk to them about what your exact intended use will be.

The EcoFlow DELTA has its own internal protection but you can still damage it.
 
  #10  
Old 07-08-2021 | 10:38 AM
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[QUOTE=Gerald Mucci;196364]
Originally Posted by Callisto
Ok so editing your first post does not help.... but I did see it only because I was looking.

I wasn't expecting you to be so responsive. THANKS!!!!
hahaha! I get carried away on some threads that interest me. In this case the mention of the alternator on the same day I ordered an upgraded alternator for my MAZDA.

Here is my thread lots of pictures and you will see why I needed a larger output alternator. You can also see that everything I recommend I have done.
https://www.mazdaforum.com/forum/maz...like-do-44018/
 

Last edited by Callisto; 07-08-2021 at 10:40 AM.


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