On Sep 24, 9:15*pm, Tim+
wrote:
harry wrote:
On Sep 24, 10:49 am, "Dave Plowman (News)"
wrote:
In article
,
* *harry wrote:

Volkswagen have been experimenting with *thermpiles in the exhaust to
make electricity and thus eliminating the alternator.

Crikey. An alternator is actually a very efficient device. Sounds like
they're clutching at straws.

An automotive alternator is very inefficient. *And not having it
removes a parasitic load from the IC engine.

A parasite gives nothing in return. An alternator is a commensal or
symbion. It turns mechanical energy into very useful electrical energy.

Tim

In this context, it diverts useful power from the primary purpose, ie
propeling the vehcle.