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Instead of using an engine-driven alternator, I'd like to make use of the engine compartment's air in-flow to drive a wind turbine. I would think this might be more economical using a high quality Chinese made wind turbine generator; no air intake when vehicle is idling avoids alternator overheating issues. Has anyone done this or know how best to design such a solution to augment the solar charging of my 24v Tesla battery bank.
I'm concerned the law of energy conservation makes this approach much less efficient (or a totally inefficient method) relative to running an auxiliary engine-connected alternator.
I'd share those concerns, aside from all the time and effort that you can spend in prototyping etc.
TANSTAFL when it comes to extracting power, especially in the amount you might be thinking of. Alternators do have a level of inefficiency, which limits the amount of power you can pull. A closer to off the shelf solution is a DC generator but I haven't looked into how the mechanical coupling might work.
I would be more concerned with aerodynamics and no output at city driving speeds.
There is always a way...
;o)
