Single Wire 50 Amp Ultra-Mini Alternator

[cfg83]

Hello -

As a compromise to no alternator, this seems pretty neat :

https://www.pegasusautoracing.com/pr...asp?RecID=7040 - $280

This super-compact 12 volt alternator is suitable for use on just about any formula car or sports racer. It weighs only 6 pounds and is small enough to fit in the most crowded engine bay. Despite its small size, it puts out up to 50 amps! That's enough power for the most demanding data acquisition, driving lights, and fuel injection systems. The single wire design is easy to hook up. 2.5" diameter V-belt pulley included. Can be driven up to 15,000 rpm.

This alternator will require some adapting and fabrication to install. It is not intended as a replacement unit for any stock vehicle.

I think you'd need a bare-bones car, no A/C now power nothing.

CarloSW2

[JRMichler]

Any idea of the efficiency of this alternator? I'd rather have a high efficiency alternator than one a few pounds lighter.

[cfg83]

JRMichler -

Good point. I wish the website had a specsheet and/or a brand name, but it doesn't, .

CarloSW2

[brucepick]

Originally Posted by JRMichler

Any idea of the efficiency of this alternator? I'd rather have a high efficiency alternator than one a few pounds lighter.

I agree. Now driving two hours plus daily, in the dark or near-dark, I've become very aware of the need to keep the battery charged, and aware of the load that charging places on the engine. Difficult to keep battery charged with lights on and doing EOC at the same time. More amps per drop of fuel would be a good thing.

I have a plan to run the headlights up to about 3 hours off an Optima Yellow Top battery that I'll recharge nightly from wall current. It won't run the whole car, just the lights and maybe a few other specific items. An Optima D35, D75 and D25 = 48 AH capacity; Ohm's Law says that should be enough battery. I already have the headlights running off my own relays so it will be pretty easy to keep the bulb circuit isolated from the main electrical circuit.

[Gasoline Fumes]

That's a Denso alternator. You could get a very similar Geo Metro/Suzuki Swift alternator for a lot less money. But it won't be a one-wire alternator. The made in Japan Metros/Swifts had the smaller 50 amp Denso. The cars made in Canada had larger/heavier 55 amp Mitsubishi alternators.

Metro Denso:
More Information for DENSO 2100407

[Doni_99]

Originally Posted by Gasoline Fumes

That's a Denso alternator. You could get a very similar Geo Metro/Suzuki Swift alternator for a lot less money. But it won't be a one-wire alternator. The made in Japan Metros/Swifts had the smaller 50 amp Denso. The cars made in Canada had larger/heavier 55 amp Mitsubishi alternators.

Metro Denso:
More Information for DENSO 2100407

Hi Everyone,

Could somebody help me giving a short explanation about the fact that with a smaller alternator the fuel consumption will improve?
The smaller (50A) the alternator, the easier to rotate its axle??

On the other hand how can I estimate the 'electric need' whether this kind of small alternator will be sufficient in case of my car?

My car is an old diesel Volvo 244 without any optional electric equipment (no AC, no power windows, no speed of light... ).

Many thanks for any kind of answers!!!!

The best consumption,
Donat

[t vago]

Originally Posted by Doni_99

Hi Everyone,

Could somebody help me giving a short explanation about the fact that with a smaller alternator the fuel consumption will improve?
The smaller (50A) the alternator, the easier to rotate its axle??

Jó napot kívánok!

All alternators are fairly inefficient. However, lightly loaded alternators are more inefficient than heavily loaded alternators.

The idea behind using a smaller alternator is that a smaller alternator will be driven closer to its maximum rated output power.

If it's possible, you might try to get an ammeter and measure your car's loading. However, with a older diesel, the only significant loads I can think of would be your exterior lighting.

[Doni_99]

Originally Posted by t vago

Jó napot kívánok!

All alternators are fairly inefficient. However, lightly loaded alternators are more inefficient than heavily loaded alternators.

The idea behind using a smaller alternator is that a smaller alternator will be driven closer to its maximum rated output power.

If it's possible, you might try to get an ammeter and measure your car's loading. However, with a older diesel, the only significant loads I can think of would be your exterior lighting.

Hi T Vago,

Thanks for your fast answer and for the Hungarian words!!!