Step Up Converter?

[Hsnopi]

Hello,
So we have an automotive application here. The alternator currently in the system runs 12v. Not sure how many amps. Trying to get that now. We have two systems that require 24v. one draws a couple amps. the other draws what looks like 20 amps. Instead of installing a second alternator would it be better to install a step up converter? I know conservation of energy would mean I lose some amps but I'm not sure of the maths here.

Thoughts?

Thanks,
Hsnopi

 

[Hsnopi]

ok, of course after I post I find some answers. No idea how I wan't able to find them before. It's still p=vi basically.

 

[BobK]

Yep. Which means if you step up from 12V to 24V and you need 20A at 24V, you would need 40A from the 12V supply + some for inefficiency.

Bob

 

[Arouse1973]

Yep. Which means if you step up from 12V to 24V and you need 20A at 24V, you would need 40A from the 12V supply + some for inefficiency.

Bob

Wow

 

[AnalogKid]

Even with synchronous rectification it will be difficult to reach 90% efficiency, so that 40 A is at least 45 A, and probably closer to 50 A.

ak