Auragen - possible genny? alternator? starter? inverter? battery charger?

[1derer]

Has anybody considered Auragen? It is belt driven by the vehicle motor.
I'm trying to figure out how many functions this could perform in a Wanderlodge.

Apparently it works as a pretty decent (8000 watts ac) generator/battery charger/inverter when the vehicle engine is running, and as an inverter when the engine is off.

Maybe it could also replace the alternator? It claims 80% efficiency (compared to what Wikipedia says is 50-62% for alternators).

At first glance it seems like a way to run the roof AC while in transit, which would help me since I don't have a working generator at present, though I guess it would be irrelevant to anybody else who actually has a functioning generator.

According to their website, it's also being used as a a starter for hybrids.

There's a BUNCH of specs at
http://www.aurasystems.com/catalogs/...log1-17-03.pdf
and at
http://www.aurasystems.com/graphics/...tation2010.xps
and this outfit's home site is at
http://www.aurasystems.com/

It would be great if anybody who is more of a technical geek than I am could render an opinion about this gizmo's potential in a Wanderlodge.

[Driver]

65 lbs? Ouch! Looks like a LARGE unit. Might have severe space requirements. I'd feel better with something like that if I had the space for a PTO on the tranny, then it'd only create drag/rob horsepower when actually being used.

[gcyeaw]

There have been several discussions on the trade off between running the dash AC off the engine or running the generator and using the 110 volt AC units while driving. The general opinion is that the added load on the main engine is equivalent in fuel usage to the generator, so running the generator is cost effective.

That said, with the kind of output this unit is capable of, it will be a pretty heavy load on the engine. Then you have to deal with power generation when not driving. Running that big V8 will probably not be very efficient as opposed to a smaller 3 or 4 cylinder generator.

I think this is a nice unit, but it seems better suited for a contractor or other industrial application rather than an RV.

Just my thoughts, not a recommendation.

[Bumpersbird]

Looks like it will fit the standard S-60 alternator mount. Do any of you engineers think this is a viable alternative?

[RGloverii]

Very interesting technology.

My thoughts:

1) Extremely expensive. probably not economical at this time for 'our' use.
2) Not a substitute for a generator. Who wants to idle their coach for hours just to run the A/C?
3) Did I already mention expensive? If this thing only cost $1000, I'd think it would be in wider use right now.

In all honesty, I think it's an interesting idea. Probably a very good idea. It would be quite useful while on the road, replacing the alternator and separate inverters, but I wouldn't personally use it to replace a generator while camping.

I wouldn't really want to be a test bed for their new technology though. Let them work the bugs out first, and when the device is ready for retail sale, I'll probably be in line to buy one!

-Robert

[1derer]

Auragen new costs more than some used Wanderlodges.

But the military uses them (see http://www.aurasystems.com/pages/prod_viperusers.html )
and I'm wondering if Woody or anybody hip to modern military disposal knows how to acquire the item all by itself or possibly in some cheap (wrecked?) vehicle. Auragen in the military is known as
VIPER. More on military (and civilian) uses at http://www.aurasystems.com/pages/prod_viper.html
Since they've been getting use in mideast vehicles, there have got to be a few wrecks (hopefully not all total blow-ups). Didn't find nsn # on the AuraGen/VIPER site. Will call.

[rwoody]

do you have a nsn number

i can look it up with that

[birds_first]

[QUOTE=1derer;74609]Auragen new costs more than some used Wanderlodges.

But the military uses them (see http://www.aurasystems.com/pages/prod_viperusers.html )

If Good Ole Uncle Sam bought my fuel I'd have 2 or 3

[1derer]

Woody -
The fellow I spoke with at Aurasystems corporate office did not know the nsn number of the Viper. I've googled viper generator nsn and aurasystems viper nsn etc and haven't found this info. I did come across this telling about the unit: http://www.dtic.mil/ndia/2003triservice/gold.pdf
They're out there, but I'm stumped on how to find 'em.