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An axle-driven alternator is perfect for some types of racing, because you want any power-sapping accessories off during acceleration, and they can turn back on after you're up to speed.
It's less perfect for ecodriving. The dealbreaker for me is that the alternator would be on during EOC, which would slow you down faster, and thus reduce the number of engine-off opportunities during your trip. There's also the fact that your alternator would be spinning at 12000 RPM on the interstate, potentially for hours on end. I bet it takes substantial power just to turn an alternator that fast.
I really like the idea of intelligent alternator on/off. There may be clever ways to set up a simple circuit to automatically turn the alternator off and on at the right time. I suppose you could monitor throttle position, EGR operation, voltage, or other parameters. However, the most intelligent control would come from a toggle switch mounted next to a voltmeter on the dashboard. ;-)
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