Simple automotive turbo-generator

This is simple. May not give you enough power though, since you don't really say what it has to do.

Cheers.

Wind generator for a Piper Cub

Don't forget the thermal issues. Driving an alternator even from the compressor side of a turbo will still generate a lot of heat. You should probably use some sort of intercooler.

Thank you for your thoughts guys.

In answer to 'what am I trying to power?' - I initially just wanted to find out what additional battery charging could be available.

It is a particually good point about the compressor pushing up the air temp & this made me think why use a turbo at all?

One way of turning hp/low volume air into lp/high volume air to run a fan is to use it to induce more core cold air into moving.

I recently saw this:

http://www.dyson.co.uk/technology/airmultiplier.asp

"Airflow is accelerated though an annular aperture. It passes over a 16° airfoil-shaped ramp, which channels its direction."

Can you explain why you want to do this?

How much electrical power do you want to generate?

What are you planning to do with the power?

I'm curious because some projects are for fun & learning experience and some are for real results.

The current alternators on Hondas are very small and compact. Can you mate one of these to a propeller of suitable size to develop sufficient rpm to spin the alternator to produce maximum amperage. Is this power generator stationary, or mounted to a moving vehicle?

Looking at some figures I think the size of blade I'm going to need to get any meaningful power is going to make it impossible!

I have been reading up on impulse-reaction compounding in turbines, which seems to allow a gearing down of the rotation speed through controlling the dynamics of the gas flow.

I imagine this is much to complex an idea to get working on the bench, but it may lead somewhere.

How about a multi-jet Pelton-style wheel (gas instead\ of water)?

Again.. Why do you want to do this?
What is your goal?
Real results or fun/learning project?

Some points to consider:

1) I seriously doubt you will ever get better efficiency than mechanically connecting the alternator to the engine.

2) Scavenging energy from exhaust FLOW is a complex process which can cause serious (negative) engine performance changes. A home-made device is unlikely to work well.

3) Even though the efficiency is poor, scavenging energy from exhaust HEAT with thermoelectric devices could be useful. A home-made device should work without harming engine performance.

You asked:

Why do you want to do this? - I want to reduce the electrical load taken from the engine & charge a second removable battery if excess power.

What is your goal? - Fun/learning project maybe leading to real results.

Responses to your numbered points:

1&2) I will get better efficiency if I was able to design a system that didn't change the back pressure on the engine whilst recovering energy. Don't get me wrong I know that's an enormous ' if '! But, just the fact that a manifold and exhaust system radiates a great deal of heat along its length makes me think that careful design, including heat insulation could provide energy retrieval without a change in exhaust dynamics.

3) I am interested in these. Can you supply any liks to where I could order suitable components?

Thank you for the specifics! I meant no disrespect. Just trying to give you a good/realistic answer.

I'd start here, but expand the search to places like ebay to find best prices in your area. You may want to get specific design info first to see if it will do what you want.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermoelectric_effect

http://www.peltier-info.com/accessories.html

Best wishes on your project!