dave writes:

My bonanza has a 70A alternator that is belt driven off the back of the
engine, IO470.

Sounds more sensible than pulling a prop.... Best belt setup I ever
saw was a Greyhound bus [!] w/ a ~250A/28vdc alternator. It was
driven by triple belt set, tensioned by an air cylinder/regulator.
When a belt broke:

a) close valve
b) push alternator to loosen
c) remove old belts if any; put on matched set of three.
d) open valve; air tightens belts to correct tension.
e) start bus, drive away.

Literally a 5 minute repair. Long part is getting belts from stockroom.


Toyota already offers what Detroit is promising - actually I think Ford
does too. My Camry Hybrid has electric power steering, electric power
assist brakes, electric AC, etc. The engine only runs when it needs
to. Very clever car. I've put about 1400 miles on it and so far so good.

The Grand Plan was 42VDC [More V == less A for same W] cars, with
a 15KV starter/alternator. It adds umph during passing situations.

No lamps, all LED's/HID headlights. Valve train controlled by the
FADEC-type system. So step on gas, starter spins a zero-compression
engine, then valves close, fuel's injected; alleged 0.5 sec restart
time at stoplight.

Big plus on all electric is location is flexible; why have the
compressor under the hood at all? [Think roof-rack AC system] Second
plus is no exposed shaft on AC compressor, hence no Freon leakage.

With hybrids, you can change the picture considerably. But lots
of weight added for more battery capacity.


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