Automotive Recharge an RV battery by hand cranking a generator

AI Thread Summary
Hand cranking a generator to recharge an RV battery is largely impractical due to the low power output achievable by human effort, typically around 25-50 watts. This limited output would require extensive time to generate sufficient charge, especially for larger batteries like those in RVs, which often need around 10-20 amp-hours to start. The discussion highlights that even with optimal conditions, significant energy losses occur, making it unlikely to produce enough voltage and current through cranking alone. Additionally, as batteries discharge, their internal resistance increases, complicating the recharging process further. Overall, while theoretically possible, the effort required to hand crank a generator for battery recharge is not feasible in practical scenarios.
  • #51
CWatters said:
I'm old enough to remember when vigorous arm motion for about half a turn was enough to start the engine on a warm day at least. I guess the remaining 14 mins 59 seconds of cranking are lost in the generator, charging process and the starter motor :-)
Except that was a 4 cylinder engine as opposed to a V8 in most RV's
 
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  • #52
arydberg said:
Except that was a 4 cylinder engine as opposed to a V8 in most RV's
Yep model A's 4::1 compression lent itself to direct handcrank start
 
  • #53
Yes gets harder with more cylinders...



Yes I know it's got an inertial starter.
 
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  • #54
The sound of those things is unforgettable.
Dad worked at the airport before jets, used to take us kids out there to watch the airplanes come and go.
Guess i was imprinted - "Real engines are Round"

 
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  • #55
I'm afraid you can't really best the sound of a Merlin.
 
  • #56
CWatters said:
I'm afraid you can't really best the sound of a Merlin.
They are distinctive. I got to walk among them at EAA show in Lakeland.
'I love the small of Avgas in the morning.'
 
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