[Ducati] Misc ponderings about regulators

[EJ]

> Date: Sat, 2 Sep 2006 02:03:44 -0700 (PDT)
> From: mike major <textike at yahoo.com>
> Subject: Re: [Spam] Re: [Ducati] Misc ponderings about regulators
> To: Ducati Owners Group <ducati at ducati.net>
> Message-ID: <20060902090344.1476.qmail at web55214.mail.re4.yahoo.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1
>
> And, if we have a dry clutch to avoid wasting energy what sense does it
make to first generate power then drain it off as heat?
>
> T <st2_ at ticino.com> wrote:  > I know that the alternator output on my
Ducati (2001 900 SS) is many times
> > that of the old Tbird but am I being naive when I ask why not use a
> > similar
> > system in today's machines?
>
> Because Zener diaods can't sink 500W.
>
> Tom
>
As far as I know, all those power consumed by lamps, computer, etc are just
a minor part of the engine power (1hp = 746w). Why care about the
0.3hpwasted by the RR unit? The power saved by excited-stator type
alternator
might not even compensate it's extra weight.
However, car electrics consume much larger power, making it impossible for
zener type regulator to sink the excessive energy. think this is the major
reason why bikes and cars use different types of alternators.
BMW bikes also use excited-stator type alternators. So does Honda GW and
STX1300. It's mounted right above the engine, driven by belt, same as cars.
EJ


-- 
EJ