Eric C. Rupert wrote:
> I've seen a few questions about this. Why would someone want
> to do this? I have a generator and it works fine. What are
> the advantages of an alternator?
>From off the top of my head, there are three basic
advantages to the alternator:
1) the power generation characteristics vs. rpm are different.
Basically, the alternator generates more power at lower
rpm than a generator will. This is especially helpful
if you frequently run at low rpm or idle for a long time,
particularly with lights, wipers, radio all on. The
alternator will supply more current at these low rpm,
leading to less battery cycling (hence longer battery
life.)
2) I have heard (this is hearsay) that a common failure mode
for the generator allows the battery to discharge through
the charging circuit, leading to very abrupt battery
discharge after generator failure. With an alternator,
this failure mode does not typically occur, and a fully
charged battery should be capable of running the car by
itself (after alternator failure) for quite a bit longer,
enabling the driver to limp home.
3) One is more likely to be able to find a rebuilt alternator
at a local parts store than a rebuilt generator. This is
nice if you use your Triumph for road trips, and don't
take a spare generator/alternator with you. (On my 4500+
mile trip to VTR '97, my spares all fit in a small "TRF
shipping box" -- about 2/3 the size of a shoebox -- an
alternator / generator alone would have been this big.)
--ken
'70 & '74 TR6 Daily Drivers
--
Kenneth B. Streeter | EMAIL: streeter@sanders.com
Sanders, PTP2-A001 |
PO Box 868 | Voice: (603) 885-9604
Nashua, NH 03061 | Fax: (603) 885-0631
|