FWIW--individual efficiencies of typical automotive alternator:
40% - engine, the power source
98% - belt, connecting alternator to engine
55% - alternator, at its best(*)
(*) alternators are most efficient at idle (~53% @ 1500 rpm) with efficiency falling semi-exponentially as speed increases (~42% @ 6000 rpm)--a 20% decline; but, current output increases with rpms. The reason? Takes about 40W just for the field current.
Last edited by gone-ot; 01-07-2014 at 01:17 AM..
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