Everyone seen this? More efficient alternator
 

Alternator 3500 & 6200

If you look at the bottom of the page, these guys claim that the minimum, you'll see a 5% increase in efficiency using their alternator as opposed to the standard kind. Anyone used one of these things? Sounds like it could be well worth it, in the long run.

It might be cheaper, easier and more efficient if you got a 12v windturbine PMA and use that in place of your alternator and under drive it big time.

Kinda heavy.

Photonfanatic -

Cute logo :

http://polarpowerinc.com/images/banner-logo-home.gif

I am in favor of "upgrading" worn out parts with more efficient ones. If there was independent proof of efficiency + fitting in my car + a fair price, I would seriously entertain the idea.

Here are the models :

(45 lbs!)
http://www.polarpowerinc.com/6200_Brochure.pdf

http://www.polarpowerinc.com/8000_Brochure.pdf
I can't tell from the specs, but they seem to be too big for my 8lb/90-Amp alternator.

CarloSW2

The 45 lb 6200 is rated 9 kw or about 750 amp at 12 volt. Might be more than you need.
-mort

At a weight of 23 lbs (3500 series) it seems a bit heavy for a car, but then again I don't believe this is meant for a car. However if you were to use these as the power producer of a genset, which is it's stated use in the article, the high efficiency and the massive power output would make them ideal for an off-grid generator. Because of its 12 pole design, they are also adjustable from 12v to 64 vdc which makes them great for dc charging systems. Plus if it does actually get the claimed 100,000 hour life span, this would be excellent for off-grid. I could definitely see these used in parallel hybrid applications too.

Looks like they are still using diodes. They could bump efficiency a lot more with FETs.

If I ever have some spare time, I'll finish my external alternator synchronous rectifier board that you mount in parallel to your existing rectifier. I have the design working beautifully in simulation.

ConnClark -

Man that sounds like Back to the Future! (Not making fun, it just sounds cool)

CarloSW2

Can you expand upon that explanation? I'm a bit of an electricity noob and what you're talking about sounds interesting. Are you making a way to make the standard alternator more efficient?

23 lbs seems about right for a car alternator; however, I might be missing something here. The various voltages they have listed are fine, but in my experience, car alternators are almost always rated by amperage. That's the one figure I can't find anywhere on their page.