House batteries in RVs and marine applications power essential loads, but keeping them charged off-grid can be challenging. The Wakespeed WS500 advanced alternator regulator closed the gap in the market by allowing safe and efficient charging of 12V, 24V, and 48V electrical systems. Now, Wakespeed is increasing its capabilities with the WS500 Pro with Bluetooth functionality and the Wakespeed 48v/12v Bi-Directional DC-DC Converter (WS48-12x). Together, these two products can efficiently manage power distribution, running 12V electronics and charging higher-voltage batteries in a 48V system.  

The Need for a Smarter Charging Solution

House batteries have long provided power to run essential household loads in RV and marine applications. While off-grid, whether on the water or the road, these batteries allowed travelers to use their lights, kitchen appliances, outlets, and even air conditioning. Over the years, as RVs became more common and more complex electronics were used while traveling, it became a challenge to keep house batteries charged.

To avoid constantly plugging into shore power, new ways to recharge off the grid began being implemented in RV and marine electrical systems. Solar panels allow for cleaner energy and harness the renewable power from the sun. While this was a great solution, solar has its limitations in heavy tree cover, on stormy or overcast days, and especially at night when no power is coming into the system.

An alternative power solution quickly arose that could be used independently or in conjunction with solar panels. In RVs, marine vessels, and even commercial transportation, an engine powers the vehicle or vessel as it travels from one place to another. Since the engine’s alternator was producing excess energy, it made sense to reroute it back into the batteries to recharge as you travel, offering a consistent way to maintain your charge.

While alternator charging appeared to be a great way to keep house batteries powered up off the grid, key complexities in this system made it much more difficult to execute. Due to the high amount of energy coming off the alternator, various precautions and extra accessories had to be in place to regulate the charging and protect house batteries and electronics. Although this system was possible, it left a large gap in the market for those looking for an easier, smarter, and better way to charge.

Revolutionizing Battery Management with Wakespeed’s Advanced Charge Control Technology

Since developing their groundbreaking advancement in charge control technology, Wakespeed has been leading the charge in RV, marine, and commercial transportation applications. After recognizing key gaps in the industry, the founders developed a way to charge smarter.

The Wakespeed WS500 is the only alternator regulator available that can utilize current, voltage, and temperature to deliver the most precise and effective charging possible for 12V, 24V, and 48V battery systems—with reconfigurability for voltages in between. This makes it the perfect solution for charging lead-acid-based or new-generation LiFePO4 lithium-ion battery banks.

With its unique design, the WS500 can be connected to a current shunt to monitor current flow from the batteries, which allows it to control charging based on voltage and amperage. In addition, the WS500 can also monitor alternator and battery temperatures and modify charging output to ensure optimal safety and charging performance at the alternator and batteries.

The WS500 has helped countless mariners and RVers keep their systems safely and efficiently charged no matter where their journeys take them. Looking to build on the capabilities of the original WS500, Wakespeed recently announced the launch of the WS500 Pro. Introducing new Bluetooth® connectivity, the WS500 Pro offers unmatched convenience. It’s able to utilize current, voltage, and temperature to deliver the most precise and effective charging possible for 12V, 24V, and 48V battery systems.

Additionally, when paired with the Wakespeed Configuration and Monitoring Utility Mobile App, users can wirelessly configure, update, and monitor their alternator charging directly from their smartphones. This newly integrated communication technology and intuitive app, available for both iPhone and Android devices, gives users peace of mind by allowing them to access their system remotely from anywhere in the world.

Unlocking Next-Level Power Capabilities with the Wakespeed 48v/12v Bi-Directional DC-DC Converter

Along with the WS500 Pro, Wakespeed has a 48v/12v Bi-Directional DC-DC Converter, the WS48-12x. This revolutionary device unlocks next-level power capabilities in high-energy systems. With an efficient Bi-Directional Buck-Boost DC-DC Converter, the WS48-12x offers streamlined installation.

Whether you plan to continue using your existing chassis alternator, supplement it with additional power, or replace it entirely with a high-energy unit, the WS48-12x seamlessly manages power distribution, putting it exactly where you need it. This device’s flexibility and multifunctionality make it exceptionally useful in real-world power applications.

The WS48-12x bi-directional converter allows your 48V system to operate without an additional 12V converter. Most lights, fans, and other essential, low-power household electronics are powered by 12V. The WS48-12x will run these 12V electronics off the chassis battery. Then, it can decide to step down to 12V and send power back into the chassis battery to prevent it from dying.

Additionally, the WS48-12x gives your system the capability to charge higher voltage batteries utilizing your existing chassis electrical system. By intelligently switching between 12V and 48V power, you can install a 48V battery system and utilize alternator charging with a factory 12V alternator. This is also helpful when it comes to solar power. Even if you don’t have room for a 48V solar array, you can use a 12V solar panel along with the WS48-12x to recharge your batteries.

As household electronics become more complex and require more power, the demand for high-energy systems continues to grow. The increasing demand for 48V battery systems also increases the demand for additional system components capable of handling that type of power. By outfitting your electrical system with the WS500 Pro and WS48-12x, you will have access to unprecedented efficiency and safety in high-energy system charging.

Powering 48V Battery Banks Safely and Intelligently

For this, with smaller rigs or vessels, 48V battery banks with alternators are becoming increasingly popular. With already limited square footage on the roof available for solar panels being further decreased by vent fans, Starlink, and air conditioners, there is much less space for solar panels. Additionally, 48V battery systems allow users to take advantage of 48V appliances. Specifically, 48V AC can run directly off battery power without having to be a load on the inverter. This allows them to operate much more efficiently with higher BTUs. Plus, with less load on the inverter, users can run their AC while also using other high-power electronics and appliances.

The WS500 Pro and WS48-12x bi-directional converter offer an unprecedented way to safely and intelligently power a 48V battery bank. Specifically, WS48-12x has two different modes of charging that it can independently switch between by simply monitoring the system.

When the vehicle or vessel is stationary, the WS48-12x operates in 12V support mode. This means that it runs all 12V electronics on the power of the chassis battery while supplementing it with energy from the 48V battery bank. This ensures that the starter battery is maintained at the appropriate level to start.

Then, when it recognizes the engine ignition signal, the system will verify that the engine is running and switch from 12V to 48V to begin charging the batteries. When paired with a 12V load protect device, this system creates the safest way to utilize the chassis battery while still ensuring you won’t wind up stranded.

Intelligent Alternator Charging with the Wakespeed WS500 Pro and WS48-12x

Looking to put top-of-the-line power in their NextGen camper van, Boho Vans added 4 – 12V 270Ah GC3 Battle Born Batteries equipped with Dragonfly Intelligence wired in series to create a 48V system. By adding the WS500 Pro and the WS48-12x bi-directional converter, this van can intelligently and safely take advantage of efficient alternator charging.

Learn more about the WS500 Pro and WS48-12x bidirectional converter from Wakespeed and explore the benefits of these intelligent products in a 48V battery bank by checking out Boho’s NextGen series of camper vans! Shop the WS48-12x bi-directional converter now from Battle Born Batteries, and stay tuned for the release of the WS500 Pro.