Quote:
Originally Posted by Uncle Dave
If you want to increase the MPG on the electrical system how about doubling the Voltage from 12 to 24 volts? Power is Power I x E = P. If you double the Voltage E, and keep the P Power constant, then you Half I, the Current. All the wiring can be of a thinner gauge and the weight can be reduced. We keep hearing, "Take the weight out of the Trunk." The use of Plastics because they are lighter.
Other countries use 240 Volts? Less Grid losses. Thinner wires.
24 volt batteries for the Trucks and Diesel engines.
They have gone from 6 to 12V. Why not 24? or 48?
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Because the industry has no motivation to change. They've been talking about 42V electrical systems for a while since luxury cars are using more and more electricity and 12V alternators are having a hard time keeping up.
Another issue is that all the switches in the car would be less durable at higher voltages due to arcing. So you'd need a 12V system anyways.
A stopgap measure could be having alternators be designed for higher voltage outputs and then have an efficient means of stepping down the voltage. Higher specific power, lower losses.