That smells like BS, Daytime running lights Options

[Rayme]

This just angers me, I respected that website and the info that was on there but this goes a little too far..

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/question424.htm

How can having your lights on increase your engine fuel consumption? The alternator robs the same amount of HP whatever amperage its outputing no?


This post has been edited by Rayme: Jun 13, 2006 - 9:03 PM

[K-ESD]

The alternator robs the same amount of HP whatever amperage its outputing no?

no, the higher the electric load the more hp will be "robbed" from the engine. for example, im sure youve used a hand generator at some point in science class or whatever. notice how it is harder to turn as you add more light bulbs (or any electrical resistance) to the circuit. same goes with the alt in your car. there is nothing wrong with the answer hsw gave.

lets take this discussion to a scientific level
turning a magnet inside a coil creates electricity, the principles of electrical power conversion
how can using power create drag on that spining magnet? It's not touching anything

[orvillescelica]

The alternator robs the same amount of HP whatever amperage its outputing no?

no, the higher the electric load the more hp will be "robbed" from the engine. for example, im sure youve used a hand generator at some point in science class or whatever. notice how it is harder to turn as you add more light bulbs (or any electrical resistance) to the circuit. same goes with the alt in your car. there is nothing wrong with the answer hsw gave.

lets take this discussion to a scientific level
turning a magnet inside a coil creates electricity, the principles of electrical power conversion
how can using power create drag on that spining magnet? It's not touching anything

the reason you need to work harder as the load on the generator increases is due to the JxB electromagnetic force. A wire with a charge is actuaally resistant to moving through a magnets B-field. When you turn the crank, you are forcing it to do so against its will. As the charge through the wire increaes due to greater load, the more resistant it is to move through that B-field, and thus you need to crank harder to get out the desired increased power.