This is probably totally stupid etc but worth a stab...

You know those spinning black things on vans/lorries that move with the wind? I thought they were used to generate electricity to run a fridge or something, well after googling it turns out they are for ventilation

Could you adapt one with a tiny alternator to generate electricity? Space for an alternator is non-existant for me (unless I have it above and in line with the engine which would mean a bonnet bulge, not the end of the world I guess)

Loads of places to mount one out of view... Would only work when moving though. How much power do alternators need to make, and how much could a wind-driven one make?

i would say noooo. i don't think they have the inertia (?) or power(??) to spin hard enough for an alternator

Cant see it happening to be honest.

I have one of those Fletonair vents on my desk at work, and an alternator in my garage. I can safely say it won't work using one of those vents. But the principle is sound, but you would need a proper, efficient propeller and a very low resistance (ie not very efficient) alternator.

What you could do is somehow attach a pulley to your engine, run a belt from there to an alternator, that would work

[Edited on 2/11/09 by balidey]

Had a propper one, (big blades), on my last boat. They just don't produce enough charge to run a car, OK for keeping the battery up to scratch while standing idle, but thats about it. Cheers Ray

Edit to add, you could always run your alternator from the end of the gearbox/propshaft flange.

[Edited on 2-11-09 by Chippy]

never mind, thought it would be fail XD

lol who voted for sparta?

[Edited on 2/11/09 by Benzine]

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Originally posted by Chippy
Edit to add, you could always run your alternator from the end of the gearbox/propshaft flange.

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Get one of the RS bellhousings if its a ford box.

Go hydralic clutch, use one starter motor hole for the starter, the other for the alternator.

When the engine is running the flywheel is spinning the alternator is charging.

^ pretty good idea! does an alternator have to spin a paricular way though? i think it might be the wrong way round at the back of the engine

They work spinning either way, but the cooling fan is optimized for operation in one direction. Since our cars are pretty low on power consumption, I'd guess it will probably be OK spinning in the "wrong" direction.

Is there no space in front of the engine? The bracketry to put the alternator might be more interesting, but i've seen alternators fitted "back to front" in front of the engine before.

I looked into a reverse alternator, i was told some have the carbon brushes optimised for one direction.
Darren

no chance.

think about it. a top sprint cyclist going at full whacks is barely able to generate 1 hp, which is 740 W.

smallest alternators are rated at 30 A so when running full pelt produce 400 W.

think of the amount of effort the cyclist is giving and compare that to the piddly ventilator fan.

How about mounting the alternator alongside the engine and using a belt to spin it. You can always expand the system, say to drive a water pump, or oil pump, or supercharger...

How about making the bonnet into a photo-voltaicpanel for electric generation??

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Originally posted by coozer
How about making the bonnet into a photo-voltaicpanel for electric generation??

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Why would you do this? Isnt it reinventing the wheel somewhat?

There are already vehicle mounted hoto-voltaic panels and vehicle mounted wind turbines that generate power. There are also such things as inverters and 12v Fridges.....

I dont see the point. You are already generating 14V with the engine alternator, why not use that or bolt another to the engine?

Just my opinion.

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Originally posted by 02GF74
no chance.

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Originally posted by MakeEverything
Why would you do this? Isnt it reinventing the wheel somewhat?

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Originally posted by Benzine
never mind, thought it would be fail XD

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quote:

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Originally posted by MakeEverything

I dont see the point. You are already generating 14V with the engine alternator, why not use that or bolt another to the engine?

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