CheeseheadEarl
Elio Addict
I actually think its a good idea no need to sap any more performance out of the little engine.
The power still comes from the engine, just via wires and not a belt. It's buffered a little by the battery, though which might help a little.
Purely made up numbers, just trying to explain theory a little:
5hp used when compressor cycles on, say 50% cycle time on a hot day.
2 1/2hp used steadily by the alternator keeping the battery charged from compressor use (probably slightly more due to the inefficiencies of converting mechanical power to electric and back to mechanical, although not spinning a compressor pulley when it's not needed will offset some of that)
Nothing is truly free.