12-01-2012, 03:46 PM
Poodle Wrote:It might be less efficient than a belt-driven 'charger by direct comparison, but I think the system could have big advantages when considered in relation to an average driving cycle. For one thing it's not going to be required all the time, it will only be drawing power when the engine is building boost, whereas a normal 'charger saps power from the drivetrain all the time. Particularly valuable at cruising speeds. Also, as mentioned in a few articles, if combined with a normal turbo it could actually charge itself and do away with the wg at the same time, brilliant!
I get the whole belt taking power but its hardly a noticeable amount, as tech improves on the electric motor side it might become a viable option but currently I think it would be really hard to implement and the power you save by not having the charger belt would be taken up by the power sapped by the alternator trying to run the motor! not to mention the epic size cables you would need to power the motor!
The bit I really don't get though is how would it do away with the wastegate on a turbo??