solar trickle charger and alternator

[cali yaris]

I believe the answer is yes.

I'll say again that it's on a fixed pulley (not a clutch pulley) and therefore there is constant parasitic mechanical power drain, regardless of how much electricity it is producing for the car.

Have I got that wrong somehow?

[silver_echo]

Originally Posted by cali yaris

I'll say again that it's on a fixed pulley (not a clutch pulley) and therefore there is constant parasitic mechanical power drain, regardless of how much electricity it is producing for the car.

Have I got that wrong somehow?

yes there is a mechanical drain, but it is very minimal... the larger portion of the drain is how much energy is being used by the alternater to magnetize the rotor of the alternater... i will look it up in my book and type in the section of the chapter from the auto electric book on this when i get home later

[yaris-me]

Originally Posted by cali yaris

I'll say again that it's on a fixed pulley (not a clutch pulley) and therefore there is constant parasitic mechanical power drain, regardless of how much electricity it is producing for the car.

Have I got that wrong somehow?

Alternators are load sensitive. The regulator keeps the voltage constant. When there is a greater power draw, the alternator produces more current so the voltage can be maintained. Therefore it is load sensitive.

The mechanical power drain would increase with increased power draw.