How much of a Hp power draw does the 3G take compared to a standard unit? Are you moving the HP draw from one device to another?
Joe
Its pretty minimal. You can calculate it by knowing that 1 HP = 750 Watts. So for example, let's say that you are changing from a 60 amp alternator to a 200 amp alternator. That is a difference of 140 amps. Let's also assume your charging system is putting out 14 volts. Power in watts is equal to current (amps) multiplied by voltage. So, 140 amps X 14V = 1960 watts. 1960 divided by 750 is 2.61 HP. If your alternator is only 50% efficient, that's about a 5 HP difference. And the alternator is probably a lot more efficient than 50%. Plus, your 200 amp alternator is not putting out 200 amps all the time, it is only delivering that amperage when it is required.
Now let's look at an electric fan, that draws 15 amps continuous at 14V. That is 210 watts, and again assuming a 50% efficiency in the alternator, the alternator is requiring 0.56 HP to generate the power for the fan. On the other hand, per the previous posts you can expect to lose at least 10 HP running a mechanical fan. Is it any wonder all the new cars have electric fans?
