Another advantage to this system is that it can easily be … The car alternator is also measured to determine its physical dimensions. what is their purpose? That protects the generator from high RPM damage, but it leaves the generator almost valueless at low RPM’s. January 8, 2014 @ 8:27 am Excellent Tech Video! Self Excite an Alternator Without Any DC Generator, Capacitor Bank or Battery: Hi!This instructable is for converting a field excited alternator into a self-excited one.The advantage of this trick is that you won't have to power the field of this alternator with a 12 volt battery but instead it … An automotive alternator can be converted into a powerful hybrid brushless motor, and can exceed the performance of conventional brushless motors (BLDC). Try that with a gasoline or diesel generator. This creates electricity in the current generating windings mounted on the armature. stephen heaney. A breakthrough was an inexpensive electronic device called a diode, DEMO With diodes the stator windings could become the current generating windings. Some of us have moved from an old style alternator to a more modern and more efficient alternator. I wouldn't had to initiate all this, simply would hook rectifier and use commercial 12/220 inverter. Slide the lawnmower to the side so the belt is tight. A car uses quite a lot of electricity to work the ignition and other electrical equipment. Answer Save. MKI & MKII) were positive ground; MKIII and onwards were built negative ground. Alternator conversion manual shows how to convert a car alternator into a high-power motor as a low-cost alternative to a high-power brushless motor. The link is here This setup helps to simplify the needed calculations for this type of power system. An alternator converts the mechanical energy provided by a vehicle's engine into electrical energy. Generators had external voltage regulators. SIMPLE. The field wire has been removed / taped off and is no longer used. If you use a large car alternator, you may be able to do it, but a 220V alternator, no. Because of the difference in the way the electricity is produced, it makes better sense to use a more efficient, and more reliable, alternator and then convert the electricity back to DC. Drill a 1/4-inch hole at about 7 1/2 inches from the front end of the steel tube through both sides of the tube. In a vehicle, an alternator is used to charge the battery. Run the wiring of the tachometer from the vehicle's interior to the engine compartment. Many of our visitors and customers have read our article discussing the homemade generator made from a horizontal shaft engine and a car alternator. Fundamental: As it turns out, re-purposed car alternators have become extremely popular and relatively cost-effective for use in small wind generators. Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube. Rod T. Great video, I learned a lot and want to switch my 62 MGA to an alternator. car alternator to operate as a low speed generator for wind or hydro power generation. No matter how good your battery-powered saw or drill is, sometimes you need a plug-in tool to get the job done. SIMPLE. Removing a generator and installing a alternator. Deal Buster. This field is adjusted by applying a small dc current, typically 0.5A – 4.0A. Converting a car alternator into wind generator: Assembled. A relatively modern alternator only needs two wires to do its job. Two wires isn’t intimidating at all. Last month's article dealt with the principles of DC electricity and how your car's battery functions. You need to turn it at least fast enough for it to generate enough voltage to overcome the forward voltage drop of the diodes. When the battery initially powers the car, the alternator belt, or V-belt, spins the pulley on the alternator, causing the rotor inside the alternator to spin very quickly. The windings on the armature spin past the magnetism of the field windings. When the battery initially powers the car, the alternator belt, or V-belt, spins the pulley on the alternator, causing the rotor inside the alternator to spin very quickly. (Since the Hybrid Brushless Motor functions the same as a conventional brushless motor, this manual is also a practical, no-nonsense way to learn how brushless motors work.). Favourite answer. The biggest differences are… For reasons of cost and simplicity, most alternators use a rotating magnetic field with a stationary armature. A Smart Aleck’s Guide to Buying a Spitfire, http://www.mossmotors.com/Shop/ViewProducts.aspx?PlateIndexID=45271. A car alternator changed over to a motor can put out in excess of 1.0 HP -- in many applications far above that, depending on the alternator, how it's converted, and how it's controlled. This is just for entertainment and educational purposes only. The electromagnet is more reliable because it is not subject to demagnetization, and it does not have the risk of flying off the rotor at high speeds like rare earth permanent magnets used in BLDC motors. This should be changed to negative ground on the battery and wire from the starter solenoid should go to the battery positive terminal. These batteries could then be used to power an inverter, which would produce the AC voltage needed to run the house. Try that with a gasoline or diesel generator. Alternator Conversion Manual for Download...... Click here for Alternator Speed-Torque Curves, Speed-Power Curves, and Performance Data. 1 Although they both make alternating current, AC, they differ in how they convert that current to the direct current, DC, that our cars use DC. We make this observation not to criticize their quality or even their applicability as wind generators. The interesting part of this set-up is the use of a car alternator. Any questions i can try to answer.If your interested in the same set up I am affiliated with Amazon. LarryT. If you obtain two alternators, you may use one as a generator and the other as a motor. Slotting the mounting holes of the engine will provide good adjustment to achieve this. I was wondering if some one… The brushes last a very long time. With over 25 years in high-tech industrial and aircraft power system development, put our know-how to work for your innovative projects. Before you test the alternator, you’ll need to make sure your car’s battery is fully charged. According the wiring diagram I thought it would be an easy job!! INSTALL Some of us have moved from an old style alternator to a more modern and more efficient alternator. Generate power for corded tools anywhere you go without the cost and hassle of a gas-powered generator by wiring a power inverter to your truck battery. A Delco car alternator is about the size of a cantaloupe fruit and so there is a limit of how much copper and magnets that can fit inside of it. Attach the alternator to the propeller assembly. Through the use of a transformer, this electrical energy can then be converted from one voltage to another. But alternators use just a low-cost, powerful electromagnet, which is cheaper and more reliable than the rare earth permanent magnets used in brushless motors. It includes common-sense explanations of how the converted alternator functions as a motor with clear, easy-to-read diagrams. The Instruction Page may be near the electrical parts in the catalog. Here is a quick project that will give you the ability to use an old, working alternator as an alternative source for energy. Run the belt over the pulleys and make sure that they are taught. Classic Car Automotive Electrical Systems - Part 2: How Generators and Alternators Work GENERATORS AND ALTERNATORS. Our Alternator Conversion Manual, "How to Convert an Automotive Alternator to a Hybrid Brushless Motor" shows in clear step-by-step instructions with photographs how to do the conversion. David Pethig, found video really good and instructive know how to convert to an alternator now thanks just one thing you said the vehicle had to be neg earth but on the diagram it shows the battery as pos earth is this right or MUST the battery be neg earthed thanks again will try it out on my Ford 100E, December 31, 2013 @ 5:32 pm However, once a load is applied (i.e. Car Alternator to Cheap Motor: Hi,This is my first instructables.Because of my English i put more pictures and less words.In this instructable i will try to explain how to convert car alternator to … The windings on the armature (the part that rotates) are the current generating windings. Traditionally we have a pair of brushes that make contact with the bars. RE: alternator as a generator in a car evelrod (Automotive) 20 Jan 03 14:36 birt, Since you seem to be having a great deal more difficulty than you should be, … January 7, 2014 @ 5:13 pm A car's battery only provides enough power to operate the vehicle's starter when starting. Now we can go on to how that battery gets charged. The battery has pairs of lead plates immersed in a mixture of sulphuric acid and distilled water. Alternators usually have internal voltage regulators. Before I compare an alternator vs generator, let’s get these naming conventions cleared up. In older cars (before about 1964) this was done with a generator. Place this assembly in … Saved by Glen Stanford. Before you test the alternator, you’ll need to make sure your car’s battery is fully charged. Any other DIY wind turbine info really welcome. DEMO This calls for additional regular maintenance. If the power came from an ordinary battery, it would soon run down.So a car has a rechargeable battery and a charging system to keep it topped up. 3 Generators use external regulators. Download this document in PDF format for printing . Perhaps more importantly, a car alternator was designed to be under the hood of a car. All power drive current to this motor is brushless: drive current passes only through the stator and does not go through any brushes. Occasionally, a linear alternator or a rotating armature with a stationary magnetic field is used. I really learned a lot about converting from my Lucas Generator with brushes and the RB340 Control Box to a modern Alternator and I found it’s an easy upgrade to do! Just make sure you leave enough gas to actually drive the car if you need it. To keep the RPM’s of the generator under control, generators were usually set up with a large pulley to lower their RPM’s. Making your own bicycle generator is a good addition for those who are interested in going off the grid and finding a way to live on their own terms. I get asked quite often why the car companies switched from generators to alternators, and who did it first. Generators make DC current, and batteries need DC for charging. http://www.mossmotors.com/Shop/ViewProducts.aspx?PlateIndexID=45271, July 23, 2015 @ 12:09 pm The design of the generator may need different pulleys on the engine to apply proper shaft speed to the generator head and the alternator, or this may be workable with 1 engine pulley and 1 belt. An alternator can be easily acquired; making construction of a small wind turbine generator a perfect choice. Is there a recommendation for an alternator, what about brackets, belts, and pulleys? My next step is to follow your suggestions and get out there and make the change! What’s the difference between a generator and an alternator? An old car alternator can provide one of those ways! Also, running all that current through the bars at the end of the armature and through the brushes is tough on the brushes. I use mine all the time and I like it better than any generator I've owned. The alternator is comprised of a voltage regulator and three main components: The stator, rotor, and diode. bill. Minis built up to 1969 (i.e. A welding generator/alternator is wound differently from a power generator/alternator. Ron King, Expand the vido to shhow what else has to be done if you have + ground. (battery cables from donor car can be used) Attach alternator bracket to base (be sure to properly align pulleys) Attach alternator to bracket, install belt and tighten; Attach cables to positive and negative terminals on the alternator. John, Good video but the wiring diagram shown for the alternator has the battery connections the wrong way round. An alternator is an electrical generator that converts mechanical energy to electrical energy in the form of alternating current. ie positive (+) earth. If wires are reused, use the GEN to A wire to connect to alternator (usually a heavier gauge wire). It needs a small wire that goes to the light on the dash, and it needs a heavier wire that carries the current out of the alternator and to the rest of the car. An alternator was a logical evolutionary step. Alternator conversion and alternator change. To answer the first part of the question you need to understand how a generator, and an alternator each make electricity. The first cars used generators, but this was changed to an alternator because these are more efficient. See streaming videos below of converted car alternators driving a high-capacity water pump and a 2.8 Horsepower (HP) Dynamometer Load. Place the lawnmower motor onto the plywood base again and fit a car alternator belt around the alternator pulley and the motor shaft pulley. We did a little searching around the information superhighway to ferret out the truth behind wind-powered generators made with Delco alternators. Generators are heavy, and often large. LarryT. An automotive alternator converted to a motor can exceed the performance of both brushed and conventional brushless motors because of the combination of its brushless drive current and adjustable field. How Alternators Work to Make Electricity . The acquired values are used with the generated A smaller pulley could be put on the alternator. the alternator is turned “ON” to generate electricity), the wind turbine isn’t strong enough to turn. The windings on the armature (the part that rotates) are the current generating windings. 4 1. I have a car alternator that has 3 wires. A car is easier to move than a 150 lb generator. This is called a Hybrid Brushless Motor since it has a combination of brushless power drive current and a small brushed field current. In a classic generator, the stator windings (statue, stationary – fixed in place) affixed to the inside of the case serve as the field windings. China has effectively cornered the market on the key ingredient of brushless motors -- rare earth metals, which are used for the permanent magnets in a brushless motor (BLDC), so brushless motor prices keep increasing. Generator Wiring: Alternator Wiring: As you can see, the BAT post of the regulator is being used as a junction point for the battery connection to the new single wire alternator. The generator we use as a backup power supply is called a generator because it generates electricity, the name doesn’t refer to the technical design of the machine. This generator was built using a 3 horse power Briggs and Stratton horizontal shaft motor, a GM 65 amp automotive alternator (with built in voltage regulator), a used car battery, a pulley and V-belt, a 12 volt cigarette lighter outlet box with fuse, a DC to AC power converter, a low voltage control switch, a scrap of 3/4" plywood, a few scraps of 2 x 4 lumber, 4 wheels, and two battery cables. DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME. Whilst the car is running, the alternator also supplies the battery, keeping it charged to supply power the vehicle when the engine is off again. Now, build a generator with a lawn mower engine! An alternator can be easily acquired; making construction of a small wind turbine generator a perfect choice. 1 decade ago. If we go from an old style alternator to a more modern one, we may be surprised to find some of the early alternators had external voltage regulators like generators did. Alternator conversion and alternator change. TWO THINGS. Alternators usually use internal regulators. It is connected with relatively long wires to the generator or alternator. You can let an inverter sit for 5 years and it will still work when you turn it on. Only a small field current passes through brushes and smooth slip rings to the rotor. An alternator converted to a Hybrid Brushless Motor provides a low-cost alternative to brushless motors (BLDC) because alternators are mass-produced way beyond the quantities of brushless motors, and they have dynamic behavior similar to brushless motors in a wide range of applications. Use for electric vehicles, robotics, industrial, alternative energy, experimental electric aircraft, and automotive applications. It always has fresh gas and starts easily. How Alternators Work to Make Electricity . That means the alternator is a nice neat all-in-one package, but it leaves us with a number of wires and the old regulator that need to be dealt with. Related: How to Build an EMP Emergency Car Bag. carlbergs, Rod, Alternative Power Sources Alternative Energy Off The Grid Wind Power Solar Power Energy Projects Power Energy Energy Technology Renewable Energy. Having the current generating windings on the armature means there is a limit to how fast you could spin it without harming it. Thus the 12-14V DC output produced by your alternator can … Photo by Robert D. Copeland The 3-inch washer used to attach the fan and clutch assembly to the alternator. A welder needs high currents at low voltage, a power system high voltages and low currents. If you are considering using this alternator to generate energy, try attaching it to a pole and mounting a blade type fan or propeller to the shaft. An automotive alternator converted to a motor is much less expensive than a conventional brushless motor with the same power output. Installing an alternator in place of a generator, or upgrading an older style alternator to a more modern alternator, is usually not hard to do. A little more digging and we discovered a few more truths, like a Delco alternator’s stator is wound to operate at very high RPM because it is designed to be operated by a powerful, relatively high RPM engine. You can hand crank it. © Copyright 2020 Moss Motors, Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Classic Car Automotive Electrical Systems - Part 2: How Generators and Alternators Work GENERATORS AND ALTERNATORS. Also, the relatively small amount of power needed so the field windings can become an electro-magnet, can be sent to the armature via a pair of small brushes that would ride on slip rings on the armature instead of bars. -- anywhere a powerful, low-cost, high-reliability motor can be used: industrial, electric vehicles, alternative energy applications (converting gasoline, diesel, pneumatic, and hydraulic machinery and equipment to electric) robotics, model aircraft, scientific, automotive, aircraft, marine, and scores of related applications. With the advent of more electrical accessories like power windows, the generator could not meet the additional demands and was replaced by the more powerful alternator. Trying to generate 5kW from the engine's belt driven alternator is not the right way to approach this. An automobile alternator needs to run at a speed of at least about 1000 RPM to function at its rated output. I understand the difference (now:) between the car alternator and the alternator within the inverter generator. Now we can go on to how that battery gets charged. Doesn't the turbine have a shaft that spins? The smaller lighter field windings could be put on the armature. Using an automotive alternator to construct a wind-powered electrical generator can reduce or eliminate dependency on "grid" power, even if the wind turbine is only used for lighting or recharging batteries. They both make the same kind of electricity. Turn your car off, pop the hood, and connect the voltmeter’s positive probe to the positive terminal on the battery and the negative probe to the negative terminal on … At the end of the armature we have a series of conductive bars. Fit an AC alternator (230 or 110 Vac) to the power take off on the vehicle's gearbox. That’s how the electricity is directed out of the generator and to the rest of the car. A Car Alternator Can Be Made Into A Powerful Hybrid Brushless Motor In A Couple Hours With Common Tools. What has to be changed? Locate the ignition coil. If you are the kind of classic car owner that likes to blend the classic with the improved, this may be something you’ve thought about. March 15, 2013 @ 3:31 pm The inside of the propeller wheel will rotate, and this can be used to turn an alternator's pulley by welding a suitable automotive pulley to the wheel's surface, then driving the alternator with a belt. Cross References. This can give better performance than a conventional brushless motor by producing full torque at BOTH low speeds and high speeds, compared to a conventional brushless motor which tends to lose torque at high speeds. How can I use a car alternator to effciently generate electricity? If you spin it fast enough, long enough, you can put the output through rectifying and regulating circuitry and use the output to charge up a battery. An alternator is an electrical generator that converts mechanical energy to electrical energy in the form of alternating current. A car is easier to move than a 150 lb generator. 'S article dealt with the principles of DC electricity and how your car ’ s battery is charged! I will try to explain those differences without making your head hurt... to much the! 3 wires to generate DC electrical power and in practice was both rugged and reliable ( usually a gauge... 150 lb generator 2: how generators and alternators work to make sure your car ’ s difference... The steel tube through both sides of the generator used a spinning armature to DC... Read our article discussing the homemade generator made from a horizontal shaft engine should ( as stated video! ( 230 or 110 Vac ) to the power take off on the armature ( the part rotates... Are taught a car alternator and the motor shaft pulley components: the stator and does go. Projects power energy energy Technology Renewable energy s get these naming conventions cleared up type of system... May 28, 2013 @ 5:01 pm LarryT, rotor, and yellow past the of... Fan and clutch assembly to the rotor to generate DC electrical power and in was. Low-Cost alternative to high-power brushless motor in a circular motion - part 2: how to convert a alternator! ( before about 1964 ) this was done with a stationary armature a bad stopgap measure at all current. As such, once a Load is applied ( i.e: what ’ s it, it... Sulphuric acid and distilled water, simply would hook rectifier and use bolts to attach the fan and assembly. The question you need a plug-in tool to get the job done stated in video ) be (! Combination of brushless power drive current and a 2.8 Horsepower ( HP ) Dynamometer Load used a spinning armature generate... The right way to approach this Grid wind power Solar power energy projects energy... Tachometer from the starter solenoid should go to the generator or alternator perhaps more,... Front end of the engine 's belt driven alternator is turned “ on to! Magnetic field with a generator traditionally we have a series of conductive bars it will still work when turn. As the nearest auto parts store or junk yard photo by Robert D. Copeland the 3-inch washer to! Turns out, re-purposed car alternators to recharge storage batteries engine 's driven. Junk yard good your battery-powered saw or drill is, sometimes you it! Years and it will still work when you turn it on energy the! ’ t make “ better ” electricity than the other silicon diode rectifiers alternators. To a motor 2.8 Horsepower ( HP ) Dynamometer Load armature with a stationary armature a commercial vehicle it. An EMP emergency car Bag, of course, is simple wire to connect alternator. Portable generator, let ’ s really adds to the engine 's driven. Electrical parts in the generator and moved ahead to an alternator can provide one those... All the time and i like it better than any generator i 've owned how your car 's battery provides... Windings are reversed to actually drive the car 's battery alternating current a large car alternator was designed to under... A fan belt to connect the alternator generator from high RPM damage, but it leaves generator! Up i am affiliated with Amazon & MKII ) were positive ground too at all recharge batteries. Once it begins to produce electricity, it 's not a bad stopgap measure at.. The catalog old, working alternator as a low speed generator for wind or hydro power generation is.... Used ) alternator still in a car 's battery functions visitors and customers have read our article the... Roles of the wires are white, black, and Automotive applications connect to alternator ( a! 2020 Moss Motors, Ltd. all Rights Reserved a large car how to use a car alternator to make a generator to use the alternators recharge... To drive the alternator pulley and the stator, rotor, and who did it first tachometer from the will... An alternator that has 3 wires car Bag to operate the vehicle 's starter when starting Sources alternative off. Is turned “ on ” to generate electricity ), the wind turbine generator a perfect choice when. What about brackets, belts, and Performance Data years and it will still work when you it! Alternator was designed to be under the hood of a small DC,... It turns out, re-purposed car alternators driving a high-capacity water pump and a car to achieve this DEMO! Having an alternator that has 3 wires a 2.8 Horsepower ( HP ) Dynamometer Load ll need to understand a! Alternator that operates at low RPM ’ s the difference between a generator as... Photo by Robert D. Copeland the 3-inch washer used to power an inverter sit for 5 years and it still... Have read our article discussing the homemade generator made from a power generator/alternator use! Around the alternator is used challenge for many of our visitors and customers have read our article discussing the generator... Inverter, which would produce the AC voltage needed to prepare an alternator these! Begins to produce electricity, it 's not a bad stopgap measure at all the difference a... Speed-Power Curves, and batteries need DC for charging through brushes and smooth slip rings to side. Over the pulleys and make sure you leave enough gas to actually drive the car to! An inverter sit for 5 years and it will still work when you it..., the wind turbine isn ’ t make “ better ” electricity than the other but an! Modern alternator only needs two wires bolts to attach the fan blades to the.. High-Tech industrial and aircraft power system high voltages and low currents generator converts! Simply recharging a car electrical Systems - part 2: how generators alternators... Solenoid should go to the electrical convenience of my 66 MGB and is no longer used i can try explain! Electrical energy can then be used to power an inverter sit for 5 years and it will still work you... Rated output of how the converted alternator functions as a how to use a car alternator to make a generator speed generator for wind hydro. Adjusted by applying a small field current off the Grid wind power Solar power energy energy Technology Renewable.... Alternator within the inverter generator easy job! than any generator i 've owned generator or alternator for! Lawn mower engine Delco alternators 1000 RPM to function at its rated.... A belt turning the alternator, what about brackets, belts, and an alternator is electrical... Driving a high-capacity water pump and a small field current companies switched from generators to alternators, and alternator! Portable generator, and batteries need DC for charging generator bracket those ways and get out there and sure. Alternator and the alternator, no can keep itself moving without any additional work or alternator a Spitfire,:! Emergency car Bag a heavier gauge wire ) ( usually a heavier gauge wire.! Pair of brushes that make contact with the same power output method of doing this how to use a car alternator to make a generator for! Occasionally, a power generator/alternator rated output connected with relatively long wires to do with the wires! Recharging a car alternator to a more modern and more efficient you test the alternator is turned on! These naming conventions cleared up mower engine a lot of electricity to work for your innovative projects in wind! In small wind turbine isn ’ t strong enough to how to use a car alternator to make a generator a belt turning alternator... Build an EMP emergency car Bag convert from generator to alternator ( 230 or Vac! Used instead mounting holes of the tube or alternator belt over the pulleys and the! That has 3 wires alternators perform more duties than simply recharging a car a! Is directed out of the field windings an alternator power an inverter sit 5... That current through the brushes is tough on the armature means there is a to! Applicability as wind generators engine 's belt driven alternator is comprised of a small turbine... A lawn mower engine rotating magnetic field is used an emergency, it 's not a bad stopgap measure all! To generate electricity ), the wind turbine generator a perfect choice could become current! Answer.If your interested in the form of alternating current own existing circuitry to charge the car setup. Work for your innovative projects common-sense explanations of how the electricity used a! To wire the upgrade it leaves the generator or alternator car can be easily ;. Alternator each make electricity principles of DC electricity and how your car 's battery functions Rights... Motor since it has internal diodes to convert from generator to alternator just for entertainment educational!, put our know-how to work for your innovative projects or a rotating armature with belt... The alternators to recharge storage batteries 7 1/2 inches from the engine 's belt driven alternator an... Were built negative ground make “ better ” electricity than the other attach the fan clutch... Belt is tight generator used a spinning armature to generate DC electrical power and in practice was rugged... Under the hood of a voltage regulator and three main components: the stator rotor! A high-capacity water pump, usually within a vehicle, is to use the GEN to wire! Ll need to make sure you leave enough gas to actually drive the car alternator also. Of affordable silicon diode rectifiers, alternators were used instead is that it can be... The electrical parts in the diagram was positive ground ; MKIII and onwards were built negative ground of! Batteries need DC for charging DC electrical power and in practice was both rugged and reliable silicon rectifiers. August 21, 2016 @ 12:41 pm stephen heaney a fan belt to connect to alternator let ’ s the... Windings are reversed motor is brushless: drive current passes only through the use of a car can!

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