a/c belt clutch on alternator?
 

does anyone think that for a more reliable car, adapting an a/c compressor belt clutch onto an alternator. somehow have it controlled to only cut the alternator on if the engine is running and the voltage drops below a set threshold. does anyone think that engine drag could be reduced while still keeping the battery topped off?

I thought that was the purpose of the voltage regulator in essence? To various the output load on the alternator to whatever the given electrical system demands are?

i just figured the clutch could further reduce the mechanical load the engine was subjected to while not giving up the cars ability to charge its battery. at any rate it was just an idea and seeing as how i dont have time/money to test out my ideas i figured run it by the "brain trust" of sorts being forums.

When you finally DO turn on that ac clutch it will use electricity.. If you are going to charge the battery at home, and this is just a fail-safe for you then it might be ok.. Although you might get the same effect from switching the alternator off (the rotor field coil, NOT the big output wire)