US Patent 11661165 PCM controlled charging system

A method of controlling an alternator in a marine propulsion system includes receiving a demand value, wherein the demand value relates to an amount of output power produced by the engine that is demanded for propulsion of the marine vessel, and determining whether the demand value exceeds a demand threshold. The alternator is then controlled to reduce the charge current output to the battery and/or reduce a portion of engine output power from the engine that is utilized by the alternator when the demand value exceeds the demand threshold.