How much horsepower does an alternator use when at a full amp charge state? Has anyone done anykind of testing on a dyno? I will do a little bit of research but wanted to open the conversation
CK5
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alternator horsepower drag
- Thread starter natemc
- Start date
DEMON44
Low-Tech Redneck
Good question I'm not sure. I know there is certainly a horsepower draw to make electricity. I just have no idea what it is. Actually I can find out, there is a formula to convert power to horsepower. I need to get a hold of a friend of mine to find out what it is.
I can only add this:
my 327 Vette ran a 12.75 @ 109 with the alternator belt on, which also drives the water pump and the radiator fan.
the next run it ran a 12,68 @ 111+ on the rev limiter the last few ft. because it threw the fan belt.
so maybe a couple hp at most I would say. Probably more loss in the water pump and fan than the alt.
my 327 Vette ran a 12.75 @ 109 with the alternator belt on, which also drives the water pump and the radiator fan.
the next run it ran a 12,68 @ 111+ on the rev limiter the last few ft. because it threw the fan belt.
so maybe a couple hp at most I would say. Probably more loss in the water pump and fan than the alt.
Ok. So than to change up the question a bit than. What kind of fuel consumption do you think it costs us to have to use an alternator? With all of these plug in cars getting high numbers and plug in stations popping up. What if we could just take it off for the daily commute and plug a charger in when we got back home at night?
Trying to create a little open brainstorming here so don't be shy. Give us your thoughts.
Trying to create a little open brainstorming here so don't be shy. Give us your thoughts.
DEMON44
Low-Tech Redneck
Ok, so 746 watts = 1 horsepower
You can do the math off that.
You can do the math off that.
DEMON44
Low-Tech Redneck
Lol. That made me laugh
I'll rig it out for you after I'm off the bus and on my laptop.
I'll rig it out for you after I'm off the bus and on my laptop.
DEMON44
Low-Tech Redneck
62.1 amps @ 12v requires 1 horse power to produce.
DEMON44
Low-Tech Redneck
I used the calculation above and came up with Purple also!
It would be so little you could not measure it by gallons at fill up and a calculater for MPG. If it did run the whole time. If EFI it would continue to run poorly as voltage decreases.
Purple! Cause aliens don't wear hats! Geez...got it...746 watts equals 1 hp, so 110v equals orange then?
Your having way to much fun with this!
LMAO. You guys are awesome.
I didn't even think of the EFI equation. Good point.
I didn't even think of the EFI equation. Good point.
Jessie James
1/2 ton status
If you are looking to gain HP, just get a smaller pulley wheel for your accessories. The drawback is that at an idle your voltage may drop.
In my opinion, trying to get more HP out of our trucks makes no sense. We drive an aerodynamically challenged overweight brick! However, good engine mods may help more than anything else. I have headers on my truck and get 20mpg, which to me says increased efficiency. I also drive like a grandpa off the line, while everyone else zooms off, so that probably makes the biggest difference.
In my opinion, trying to get more HP out of our trucks makes no sense. We drive an aerodynamically challenged overweight brick! However, good engine mods may help more than anything else. I have headers on my truck and get 20mpg, which to me says increased efficiency. I also drive like a grandpa off the line, while everyone else zooms off, so that probably makes the biggest difference.
4xcrazy
3/4 ton status
THE biggest fuel savings is how you drive the truck, I get pretty decent mileage out of this 2wd Burb I have here now, only because I don't race it, like said previously, take off from the lights at an easy pace, quit setting that gas pedal on the floor and you'll be surprised at how much longer between fuel ups you have.
I don't know the exact mileage on this Burb, but I get a pretty decent drive time out of a measly $20 in gas.
I don't know the exact mileage on this Burb, but I get a pretty decent drive time out of a measly $20 in gas.
