Can My Chevy Alternator Run My Bicycle's Cigarette Lighter?

5-7HEAVEN · #1 11-05-2008, 11:41 PM

Hi. Has anyone tried to run a car alternator to satisfy their bike's electrical needs?

I think it can be done in a way that the belt can be connected/disconnected "on the fly".

I realize that dragging an alternator will cause major engine drag.

Any ideas?
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Honey, it's just a bicycle. and i REALLY need it to excercise, and to ride it to work.(hehe)

Technocyclist · #2 11-05-2008, 11:51 PM

I think the major factor would be the weight. The alternator is too heavy, and you would not need that much electrical power on a bicycle. You can just use a dynamo hub, or attach a dynamo either to the chain or wheel for your electrical needs.

Just carry a cigarette lighter or a match than a 1kg alternator on your bike for your cigarette lighter...

5-7HEAVEN · #3 11-06-2008, 12:39 AM

Techno, I'm being facetious/yanking your chain.

What I'm thinking about using it for is to power up a REAL headlight, at the smallest a 12-volt tractor light, a tail light, maybe a brake light.

Technocyclist · #4 11-06-2008, 12:52 AM

Oh...Ok...You can use 6-volt halogen bulbs or LEDs, or even HID lights. You can use a 12 volt wiper motor or an electric window motor to act as a dynamo, which is lighter. But you will also need a voltage regulator to prevent blowing up your bulbs. Have you tried using the white wire that comes out of the engine? I know some guys tried it to power a 6 volt headlight. But I do not know if it can damage the magneto...

5-7HEAVEN · #5 11-06-2008, 02:05 AM

Techno, I have rack mount engines, not a Happy Time, so no white wires from the mag.

No LED flashlights for me. I want REAL candlepower with 35-55 watts.

My eyes are 62 years old. I want to light up the night Wayyy in front of me.

Technocyclist · #6 11-06-2008, 03:32 AM

well, there's already a magnet running on the pullstart side. You can customize a coil to run over it. It will generate enough electricity depending on the number of winding and the thickness of wires. Installing an automotive alternator might be more simple, but it's heavy and there are wires there that are sticking out that you don't really need. You would also need a big pulley to drive the small pulley on the alternator to attain the right RPM. And I think you would loose some HP. There are some 6-volt halogen bulbs that are just as bright. I think 5 or 6 of these halogen bulbs would be sufficient. The brightness of the bulbs is not dependent entirely on voltage, but more on the type of bulbs you use.

OSCAR383 · #7 11-06-2008, 08:02 AM

I Think The Easier Would Be To Get A Dynamo Front Hub , You Can Even Get Them With Drum Brakes In Them To To Power Your Lighting Needs.

Walter F. · #8 11-06-2008, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OSCAR383

I Think The Easier Would Be To Get A Dynamo Front Hub , You Can Even Get Them With Drum Brakes In Them To To Power Your Lighting Needs.

From whom may I ask? Very Interesting. Happy Hills & Trails Walter F.

OSCAR383 · #9 11-06-2008, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Walter F.

From whom may I ask? Very Interesting. Happy Hills & Trails Walter F.

Front Hubs, Sturmey Archer Dynamo Drum brake Front hub 36h, Silver, HU2200 @ eBikeStop.com - The online supplier for all your cycling needs...

HERES ONE OF THE CHEAPEST IVE SEEN

5-7HEAVEN · #10 11-06-2008, 10:31 AM

Well guys, Ive got this alternator laying around, and a bunch of friction rollers. Like deacon recommended for friction drives, I could drill a pipe end, bolt it onto the alternator snout and start from there.

I know there will be parasitic drag loss, but with dual engines I can afford to lose 1 hp if I have "on the fly" option.