Interesting alternator mod?

[Edubsam]

http://www.metrompg.com/posts/alternator-optional.htm

I was reading some stuff on popular mechanics and there was a link to this mod.

Now it would clearly cause issues if you took the alt out all together. I'm not very versed in electrical systems, but based on my little knowledge, I would think you could rig in a switch to turn the alt off while cc is on. Or something like that, anyway. You would also need to change to a deep cycle battery I think.

Anyway, what do you all think?

If we could figure something out, this would be pretty cool. Add a switch and voltammeter somewhere?

 

[Ron Helmuth]

Interesting concept...

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It does seem do-able for a lightweight vehicle. Not sure how applicable this would be to our trucks but you've got me interested for sure.

I'm certainly curious to see what you guys can come up with. I would imagine if alternators are that inefficient that the alternator manufacturers are already working hard to get those numbers better.

Appreciate you bringing this to my attention. Had not seen this addressed before.

 

[Edubsam]

Yeah, I'm intrigued as well. Like I said, I don't know enough about the systems to add any good info. I'm hoping some one else does though

 

[cobiker]

The "gas turbine charged" alternator sounds doable.

 

[JohnsD90]

Ive run 200 miles a few different times without running an alternator in the jetta tdi, and i saw no gains or losses in power or mpgs at a fairly cosistent driving style and using the same roads as i usually do.

There might be a 1% Decrease in fuel consumption from this, but the problem is when you are interested in doing a test like this for mpg gains, you tend to drive more gently than you usually do because you are doing an experiement. So most of the gains that are seen are from careful driving and not cranking all the time!

Oh and remember that your running straight off the battery, so you still need to have alternator use energy to charge it again, or trickle charge it at you home which costs money on your electric bill, and is time consuming.

 

[Edubsam]

Run two batteries and have the switch for the alternator. That way you can shut it off on long drives?

Shots in the dark here...

 

[04rnr]

but the problem is when you are interested in doing a test like this for mpg gains, you tend to drive more gently than you usually do because you are doing an experiement. So most of the gains that are seen are from careful driving and not cranking all the time!

totally agree

 

[Edubsam]

So do the test with a control... Drive like an old lady with the alt running. Then do the same with the alt off. Sure, you may not drive like that all the time, but it will give you a baseline to work from. Not to mention an answer to the "will it work on a 4R?" question...

 

[Pikeman]

Ok simply installing a switch to turn the alt off wont work. The reason is that the belt would still be attached and you would still have the additional drag/ resistance by having to turn the pulley. The only thing a switch would do is keep you from charging the battery. You would have to completely remove that drive belt and or the alt to see any gain if any and as mentioned by JohnsD90 the cost of putting it on a charger every time you park is going to be high along with the time consumption.

 

[ChildrenOfBodom]

Ok simply installing a switch to turn the alt off wont work. The reason is that the belt would still be attached and you would still have the additional drag/ resistance by having to turn the pulley. The only thing a switch would do is keep you from charging the battery. You would have to completely remove that drive belt and or the alt to see any gain if any and as mentioned by JohnsD90 the cost of putting it on a charger every time you park is going to be high along with the time consumption.

x2. Unless you could make it operate like an AC clutch, you're wasting your time.

 

[fourwd1]

x2. Unless you could make it operate like an AC clutch, you're wasting your time.

Exactly!