RC alternator / dc power system

[zardinuk]

Has anybody heard of such a thing? A tiny alternator and dc power system for an RC car? It would be more of a novelty than anything else, considering the added weight...

I'm interested in using it for a different application than an RC car, but figured some of you might know....

[SteveK]

Many ESCs have something like that already: They use the generator-effect of a coasting or braking motor to build up a bit of a charge and extend the run time. It's not much, but it does work.

I think an alternator like in a real car would add so much weight and drag, it wouldn't be worth it.

[AudiTT-Quattro]

Well, to put it more mildy, a seperate generator would be completely pointless and counter productive. Look into the Conservation of Energy theorem.

It takes energy to generate energy. The drag on the motor from the alternator will always be greater than the energy created by the alternator...

[dhutch]

unless you planing to put it in a nitro?

[spawn_x]

so anyone ever explore something like this? yes it is for a nitro

only reason I'm looking into this is because with my first experience with bigger electronics (fast powerfull brushless servos and such, compared to small ones I've used on my NXT years ago) you are sort of limited, no different than an electric car, where you have the batteries as well


compensate for extra drag/weight with a bigger motor and fuel tank.. but be 100% nitro.

if I wanted to worry about batteries, I'd go electric+??

just brain-storming here. (although I love my brushless 18t with lipo's)

[rccardude04]

I have a device that the creator calls a "generator" on my Bergen Gasser EB. It's basically a small AXI outrunner on the output shaft of the Zenoah 26CC gas engine, and runs into a DC converter, then into a 5.5V regulator that keeps the 4.8V receiver pack near peak voltage the entire time the engine is running.

Look up Raja's Jewel Generator on HeliFreak or probably even Google.

-Eric