Charge 48V battery bank with 12V bus alternator?

[dsc4152]

Hi everyone!
I am remodeling a 2001 Thomas Freightliner FS-65 school bus into a full time adventure skoolie. I am nearly done gutting it.
I am looking at possibly hooking up my alternator to my battery bank as an additional charge source?
My current alternator is a DelcoRemy 8600308-28SI 12V/160Amp (125Amp @idle) which is currently hooked up to 2 12V lead acid batteries that power the bus itself.
I was wondering if it was possible to hook the alternator up to my planned 48V lithium battery bank?
My planned system is the Growatt 3kW 48V all-in-one system that Will suggests on the website. I haven't seen a review of his on that specifically but I've seen him comment that it's basically the same as the MPP but with better warranty, customer support, and manual. Planning on 1200w+ in solar panels on roof of bus, and 2 24V 100 Ah lithium batteries to start with, wired as 48V. I know I will eventually need more than 200Ah, but it's a start. I plan on plugging the system into my home's grid power while working on the bus.
The biggest thing I want out of this system is to be able to run a 15000 BTU Coleman Mach 15+ rooftop A/C unit- 115 VAC/ 60 Hz. (can safely operate at 104V-125V)
Cooling amps- high: 14.8
Running watts- standard: 156
Running watts- desert: 2025
Running watts- heat strip: 1800
Locked rotor amps: 61
I'm based out of Kentucky so it shouldn't have to work extremely hard.
I just thought the alternator hookup might be a good additional power source if possible, but can't decide if it's possible with with a 48V battery bank.
I know the 3kW 48V system might seem like overkill for a skoolie, but I want to be able to use it later on in life for a cabin. Let me know what you guys think.
Thank you all so much for your help, opinions, and expertise! This community is so great!
David
-2001 Thomas Freightliner FS-65 school bus
-CAT 3126 7.2L engine
-Allison 545 Automatic Transmission 4 speed
-DelcoRemy 8600308-28SI alternator

 

[dsc4152]

On second thought guys, I have spent my entire day reading through these boards and Will's book and I've come to the conclusion that a 48V system is just too dangerous and the parts too rare. I am going to go with the Growatt 3kw 24V system because it's less dangerous, with myself being new to electrical work. Also, I am SERIOUSLY considering this Big Battery rebuilt 3kW 24V power wall. I mean... 25 more amp hours and 2.5x cheaper than 2x 24V 50 Ah Battle Borns even with the $350 shipping... I mean maybe I'm missing something.
Settled on 12x 100W HQST solar panels to start.
Should I reconsider trying to hook up the alternator to this setup? Now that I think about it, I think I read specifically in Will's book that he didn't think it was a good idea.......? Instead of purchasing whatever crazy gadget I'd have to get to hook the alternator up, maybe I could just throw that money into more batteries and solar panels and other stuff for the bus.
Let me know what you guys think. Holy crap it's almost 4 am........

 

[Zil]

In general, OEM vehicle alternators do not do well on deep cycled batteries. Even if you figure out the voltage problem. You could change the alternator.

 

[Supervstech]

48v is no more dangerous or rare than a 24v system...
Yes, if you grab live connections you will get a shock... don’t do that.
48v is not rare to get stuff either.
But, if 3000W is all you need, then, 24V will do it fine.

 

[Supervstech]

The danger of 48v is doing things safely.

if you Always work with a SINGLE WIRE AT A TIME.

And you ALWAYS SHUT OFF POWER SOURCES before working with things.

there is no danger.

remember... BATTERIES AND SOLAR PANELS ARE ALWAYS ON! So, only work on one side at a time, and always use disconnects, or breakers. And ALWAYS work when they are off.