Generator-hubs with less lamination: eddy current reduction by load

[SA_SA_SA]

Some cheaper dynamo hubs appear less draggy with lights on due to presumably scrimping on the laminations:
Rather than leaving lights on permanently , an alternative would be to use a dummy load(eg resistor) and if I wonder if careful choice of a smaller load current might reduce drag compared to a full lighting load of 12ohms....?

[Brucey]

yes it may be possible to have a dummy load that means there is less parasitic drag in some cases. It may be of advantage to have a reactive load of some kind (eg with a capacitor in it) rather than a purely resistive load, but you would need some theory and/or trials to back this up.

cheers