Alternator driven behind transmission.(Separate thread)

[rgathright]

Originally Posted by dwtaylorpdx

The main reason I was talking about this mod is that on a race car, this one mod makes a easily measurable difference at high RPM, so the assumption is that it somehow lowers engine load without actually modifying the alternator system other than location, if a car goes faster the easy assumption is its less parasitic at the lower RPM but would still charge the alternator. Removing the alternator is not an option on many cars. But reducing its use still is. You can protect the diodes with caps, not that hard.

Of course it simply may not pay off at the lower rpms on the street. May make way more sense to just increase the alternator pulley size to slow it down./

Dave

Ok, I look forward to seeing how this goes for you.

Pursuing new technology is what we all are striving to do!

[orange4boy]

Interesting idea if a bit complicated.

couple of things to look out for:

1) Will you be able to supply enough juice to both run the electrics and charge the battery if you are only going to turn on the alt during certain conditions? Many cars undercharge as it is on short trips. You might need to top up at home with an automatic charger. ( a good idea in any event to prolong battery life) The float charge on a battery, which is required for long life, takes about an hour.

2) Alternators are less efficient and have lower amp capacity at low RPMs

Better have an ammeter to keep a lookout for discharge conditions.

[rgathright]

Originally Posted by orange4boy

Interesting idea if a bit complicated.
2) Alternators are less efficient and have lower amp capacity at low RPMs

I would like the idea if he implemented a "Pancake" style alternator that surrounds the driveshaft. The alternator would always be spinning and have no need for belt operation thus increasing efficiency.