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Old 10-13-2009, 05:09 PM   #12 (permalink)
orange4boy
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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.
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