9 replies to this topic

[Jon937]

Has anyone been able to install an alternator with a clutch in the pulley?

 

The alternator can have a smaller pulley so able to spin up when required and when not required the engine can use the extra power, that would have otherwise would have been lost in spinning the alternator when not required.

[Guess-Works.com]

The alternator is always required or you will be draining your battery... therefore absolutely no need for a clutch.

[Jon937]

Why is there alternators with clutches fitted to some modern cars?

[ChopperHarris]

The pulley reduces whipping of the belt which allows for a weaker belt tensioner which in turn helps the bearings in the alternator and waterpump (if driven from the same belt) to last longer.

[ChopperHarris]

Discussion here

http://www.pistonhea...c.asp?t=1277279

[sledgehammer]

There was a plan to have a alternator built into the flywheel - did this ever get off the ground ?

 

also worked as a motor to boost performance on acceleration & starter motor

 

& was an intelligent engine brake - as usual - can't remember the name of it 

 

back to the original post , it sounds like an ac clutch type affair , something else to fail

Edited by sledgehammer, 08 August 2015 - 04:14 PM.

[peter-b]

The later model Mazda's use a similar idea to the F1 cars, storing power in capacitor.
You don't need a clutch on the alternator, just a switch on actuating wire, sign light on most. Maybe a micro switch on throttle that switches off at full noise position. Small cars us similar idea on a/c compressor circuits to switch off comp when Max power is required. Couldn't see real advantage on a mini.

[ACDodd]

Yup I have put switches in Lucas alternators to power them down when you put your foot on ther floor. They work well. Most lucas alternators take about 1 hp/20amps of output. Now this is the crunch. Most mini electrical systems use less thn 8 amps to run the engine and electical demands (when lighting is not used) therefore the save is less than 1/2hp.
Of course with headlaps and spot lamps on, more like 1.5hp.

AC

[Spider]

Yup I have put switches in Lucas alternators to power them down when you put your foot on ther floor. They work well. Most lucas alternators take about 1 hp/20amps of output. Now this is the crunch. Most mini electrical systems use less thn 8 amps to run the engine and electical demands (when lighting is not used) therefore the save is less than 1/2hp.
Of course with headlaps and spot lamps on, more like 1.5hp.

AC

 

Yeap.

 

This Moke used to get something like 4 mpg less at night than day driving

 

 

(it also had a dog of an engine which didn't help).

[sledgehammer]

Like that moke ^^^

 

got the 'I'm used' look

 

not a trailer queen like we tend to see now

 

ps awesome air filter (think that is what it is) , bet you need good filtration out there

Edited by sledgehammer, 09 August 2015 - 12:56 PM.