alternator voltage regulator for racing???

just curious... has anybody ever thought about the load placed on the motor by the alternator...

with  the help of a voltage regulator manufacturer... a custom internal voltage regulator could be programmed...

so that while the rpms are increasing... the alternator reduces output...

when at high rpms.. there is a reduced output..

when slowing down...   the alternator goes to increased output... this would help slow the motor down and the car down in corners and reduce the load of the alternator when power is applied...

this was just a brain ........     but it would work....

have fun...


oh... and for those who don't know.. alternators can already do some of this...  have been able to do it on gm units since 1986...  so its not new...     gm Tuned port motors had alternators that would shut off for a timed period  when the RPMs dropped below 500 rpms...    and waited for 2 , 6 or 10 seconds before they started charging again...  this was set up individually ... but the ECM was also programmed to open the idle control just prior to the built in off time..  so the engine would not stall...  putting in the wrong alternator or voltage regulator almost always caused a stalling problem.. as the alternator started charing before the ECM backed out the idle control...  

put in a switch to stop charging at 3/4 to full throttle  and will charge when lifting foot off thrttle  

Hey this is good! This is the kind of thinking that should happen more often. Baddog I like your idea. the regulator idea sounds good too. MAybe a solid state setup could be made and setup so that you dont go too low. When you motor is upstairs in the Rpm your gonna want good power to the ignition though. The whole reason to run an alternator is so you don't lose power later in the race. I am thinking hear give me a second...how about using your idea with the regulator and put a sensor at the battery output and set a certain voltage to keep and more or less make the alternator keep closer to that setting. I know thats supposed to be the reg job but they tend to put out more than needed right? By making a tighter control then you would get the advantage of less load until you need the voltage more. Let me know what ya think.  
"Remember when sex was safe and racing was dangerous?"

i think that as long as the battery is fully charged that cutting out the battery at upper rpms that the voltage to fire the the plugs shoold be there but if you need more voltage then how about a 16 volt battery and an alt that would keep it charged. so that when you cut out at full throttle. than you should have plenty of juice?and any loss of  voltage and amparge would be replced?  16volts -2or 3 volts droped leves 13 to14 volts to fire plugs ?  

Some series limit the battery voltage to 14 Volts. Aside from that, if you are running a relatively new battery (One season or so) That is made by a reputable manufacturer, you won't have a problem for several laps on most 1/2 or less tracks.

I have seen guys disconnect the alternator for 100 lap races and not have an issue. If you don't have strict rules concerning the battery, remove some lead from the frame, and add a second battery instead.

I think the best thing would be to reduce the rotating mass, to enhance the engines ability to accelerate when the alternator is turned off. Alternator could be turned off for 10-20 laps, and turned on during caution laps or when you are not trying to pass.

My company does this sort of thing. If I know what alternator you are using, we can rework it to reduce the rotating mass.