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| Re: Effect of electrical 'drag' on engine |
Subject: Re: Effect of electrical 'drag' on engine
by MLS on 2008/9/10 3:34:25
Sorry 1000Coupe but I'd say you would be wrong.
Basic laws of Physics say that energy can neither be created or destroyed it can only be converted. Therefore to generate electrical energy the alternator needs energy input, in this case energy from the combustion of fuel.
So for whatever output is required from the alternator the engine supplies at least that amount bearing in mind that friction in the belts, bearings, etc. needs to be accounted for also.
All that being said and referring back the original question in the post, an electric water pump will increase horsepower output of the engine.
This is because the electric pump is spinning at a contant RPM that would likely have the same power requirements as a conventional water pump spinning at 3000 RPM. That means you would not need to rob the engine of the extra power required to spin the conventional water pump beyond that RPM and therefore translates to more available horsepower at the wheels.
It should also be noted that there is a reductional in frictional losses from the conventional water pump belt and some of the inertia from the water pump is removed from acting directly on the crank.
Hope that makes sense.
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