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Old 11-14-2008, 12:20 PM   #4 (permalink)
trebuchet03
MechE
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Bay Area
Posts: 1,151

The Miata - '01 Mazda MX-5 Miata
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Piwoslaw View Post
The alternator sucks up lots of engine power, producing more electricity than the car needs.
Incorrect - the alternator only produces as much electricity as is needed... No more, no less.

The power is sucks up from the engine is the amount of power needed plus alternator inefficiencies.

And as already stated, your alternator does not start your car Exceptions for a few vehicles that use starter generators...

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Spiral spring.... you probably mean power spring, like what's found in a seat belt or clock. You'd need one helluva spring - that's a lot of energy stored... And as said, it'd be quite heavy. Impossible? No... But as said, a battery has a much better energy density.
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