To: Realism
He is correct in this statement,
It takes mechanical power to turn the alternator (kW) The alternator in turn makes electrical power, which also can be measured in kW. In general a standard automotive alternator has an efficiency of about 40%. They do consume more power than they can make. He clarifies his statement by saying that the alternator uses more power that the hydrogen process can produce.
54 posted on
07/31/2008 1:45:41 PM PDT by
bamaintx
To: bamaintx
But isnt that kind of like saying that hydro electric isn't worth it because the efficiency of the turbine isn't 100%. It's not as if you are using the engine to power just the alternator, its powering many systems. If efficiency was measured in the the unit of “work” it would be quite high. The more you can do using the available power, the greater the efficency.
80 posted on
08/01/2008 5:46:08 AM PDT by
Realism
(Some believe that the facts-of-life are open to debate.....)
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