Posted by Desoto61 [138.162.0.42] on Thursday, April 23, 2015 at 06:20:14 :
In Reply to: Re: Interesting, but useless posted by Sherman in Idaho [72.47.153.61] on Wednesday, April 22, 2015 at 16:38:16 :
Yes, but exhaust temps are quite high, so the differential can still be very large. Major manufacturers have actually looked at these systems as a way of potentially offsetting electrical loading since it would essentially be in increase in efficiency, and the new CAFE standards are pushing them to fight for every MPG.
It would never generate enough electricity to replace an alternator, but even a few % improvement in fuel efficiency adds up. BMW actually puts clutches on their alternators now so they can be disengaged for extra fuel economy under certain conditions. Of course cost and weight also play a part in the decision.
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