Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum - EcoModder.com - View Single Post - Automatic alternator cut out/regen braking

AXMonster · 03-13-2008, 01:21 PM

If the alternator produces parasitic drag when the field windings are powered up, but its not really needed to charge the battery, how about this for an idea?

A smart controller that cuts the power to the alternator's field windings in normal cruise or accel conditions, thus removing the electrical load on the engine caused by the alternator.
When decelerating (0% pedal and no fuel injected so 0% duty cycle) the alternator is switched back on and charges the battery at a high current, thus providing more braking effect.

If the battery voltage gets too low the controller can switch the alternator back in until its within a reasonable range again.

Any thoughts?

03-13-2008, 01:21 PM	#1 (permalink)
AXMonster British Ecomod Hypermiler Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: South Coast, England Posts: 101 The AXe - SOLD - '97 Citroen Citroen AX 1.1i 5 Door 90 day: 46.78 mpg (US) Foci - '03 Ford Ford Focus Tdci Ghia Estate 90 day: 64.37 mpg (US) Thanks: 1 Thanked 11 Times in 10 Posts	Automatic alternator cut out/regen braking If the alternator produces parasitic drag when the field windings are powered up, but its not really needed to charge the battery, how about this for an idea? A smart controller that cuts the power to the alternator's field windings in normal cruise or accel conditions, thus removing the electrical load on the engine caused by the alternator. When decelerating (0% pedal and no fuel injected so 0% duty cycle) the alternator is switched back on and charges the battery at a high current, thus providing more braking effect. If the battery voltage gets too low the controller can switch the alternator back in until its within a reasonable range again. Any thoughts? __________________ 1997 Citroen AX 1.1i SPI 2003 Ford Focus 1.8 Tdci estate Ecomods: See my garage