Ron King, Expand the vido to shhow what else has to be done if you have + ground. 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! In older cars (before about 1964) this was done with a generator. 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. In a classic generator, the stator windings (statue, stationary – fixed in place) affixed to the inside of the case serve as the field windings. Favourite answer. Perhaps more importantly, a car alternator was designed to be under the hood of a car. 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. In a vehicle, an alternator is used to charge the battery. DEMO This calls for additional regular maintenance. Just make sure you leave enough gas to actually drive the car if you need it. Drill holes in your fan blades, and use bolts to attach the fan blades to the rotor. Who knew? June 16, 2013 @ 11:28 am The car alternator is also measured to determine its physical dimensions. A Toyota car alternator taken from a junkyard is characterized via an Open-Circuit test to evaluate its operating specifications. Slide the lawnmower to the side so the belt is tight. Until the 1960s, automobiles used DC dynamo generators with commutators.With the availability of affordable silicon diode rectifiers, alternators were used instead. An alternator converts the mechanical energy provided by a vehicle's engine into electrical energy. According the wiring diagram I thought it would be an easy job!! And alternators are readily available worldwide -- as close as the nearest auto parts store or junk yard. March 15, 2013 @ 3:31 pm I was wondering if some one… 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 … The simplest solution, of course, is to use the car's own existing circuitry to charge the car battery. TWO THINGS. 3 Generators use external regulators. A car uses quite a lot of electricity to work the ignition and other electrical equipment. The windings on the armature (the part that rotates) are the current generating windings. Alternator conversion and alternator change. 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. Having the current generating windings on the armature means there is a limit to how fast you could spin it without harming it. I get asked quite often why the car companies switched from generators to alternators, and who did it first. A Smart Aleck’s Guide to Buying a Spitfire, http://www.mossmotors.com/Shop/ViewProducts.aspx?PlateIndexID=45271. Step 5 Drill holes for mounting the lawnmower motor to the plywood with a 1/4-inch bit. It always has fresh gas and starts easily. Trying to generate 5kW from the engine's belt driven alternator is not the right way to approach this. Sometimes  the life of the car. 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. We did a little searching around the information superhighway to ferret out the truth behind wind-powered generators made with Delco alternators. Some of us have given up our old generator and moved ahead to an alternator. 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. Alternators usually use internal regulators. This field is adjusted by applying a small dc current, typically 0.5A – 4.0A. Alternator still in a car. Try that with a gasoline or diesel generator. -- 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. 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. 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. Alternator conversion and alternator change. No matter how good your battery-powered saw or drill is, sometimes you need a plug-in tool to get the job done. Slotting the mounting holes of the engine will provide good adjustment to achieve this. Relevance. Here is a quick project that will give you the ability to use an old, working alternator as an alternative source for energy. Saved by Glen Stanford. The steps needed to prepare an alternator as a three-phase generator and as a three-phase motor are the same. Some of us have moved from an old style alternator to a more modern and more efficient alternator. Rod T. Great video, I learned a lot and want to switch my 62 MGA to an alternator. Place this assembly in … 2 The roles of the armature windings and the stator windings are reversed. So, we are left with dealing with wires again. An automotive alternator can be converted into a powerful hybrid brushless motor, and can exceed the performance of conventional brushless motors (BLDC). 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. Even old car generators must spin too fast to be practical for wind power, but there have been many good plans for modifying them. 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. You can use car alternators to power a home. Anonymous. Before you test the alternator, you’ll need to make sure your car’s battery is fully charged. For reasons of cost and simplicity, most alternators use a rotating magnetic field with a stationary armature. A welder needs high currents at low voltage, a power system high voltages and low currents. This is just for entertainment and educational purposes only. This Hybrid Brushless Motor is functionally very similar to a conventional brushless motor except that it has an adjustable field, unlike a conventional brushless motor, which has a fixed field. What has to be changed? car alternator to operate as a low speed generator for wind or hydro power generation. I use mine all the time and I like it better than any generator I've owned. You can do this with a car alternator but it would be more effecient to get a generator that was designed for a wind generator use. An alternator is an electrical generator that converts mechanical energy to electrical energy in the form of alternating current. car alternator to operate as a low speed generator for wind or hydro power generation. An alternator can be easily acquired; making construction of a small wind turbine generator a perfect choice. Photo by Robert D. Copeland The 3-inch washer used to attach the fan and clutch assembly to the alternator. Now we can go on to how that battery gets charged. 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. Minis built up to 1969 (i.e. The Instruction Page may be near the electrical parts in the catalog. http://www.mossmotors.com/Shop/ViewProducts.aspx?PlateIndexID=45271, July 23, 2015 @ 12:09 pm (Field, Current Generating) Tacking the ends together at a central focal point will keep this force constant, and push the propellers in a circular motion. This was encouraged by the increasing electrical power required for cars in this period, with increasing loads from larger headlamps, electric wipers, heated rear windows and other accessories. This should be changed to negative ground on the battery and wire from the starter solenoid should go to the battery positive terminal. Alternator converted to a motor driving a high-speed turbine water pump. Classic Car Automotive Electrical Systems - Part 2: How Generators and Alternators Work GENERATORS AND ALTERNATORS. It includes common-sense explanations of how the converted alternator functions as a motor with clear, easy-to-read diagrams. Converting a car alternator into wind generator: Assembled. This provides a reliable and low-cost alternative to high-power brushless motors for many applications which is easily acquired and second-sourced. Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube. the alternator is turned “ON” to generate electricity), the wind turbine isn’t strong enough to turn. 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. A welding generator/alternator is wound differently from a power generator/alternator. 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 generator used a spinning armature to generate DC electrical power and in practice was both rugged and reliable. Last month's article dealt with the principles of DC electricity and how your car's battery functions. Locate the ignition coil. An alternator is an electrical generator that converts mechanical energy to electrical energy in the form of alternating current. There are other small spade terminals 180 degrees opposite the three main connections , one is marked is marked with a number 57 the other appears to be at one end of the diode bank. Last month's article dealt with the principles of DC electricity and how your car's battery functions. You can let an inverter sit for 5 years and it will still work when you turn it on. Generators are heavy, and often large. To know what to do with the two wires. A Toyota car alternator taken from a junkyard is characterized via an Open-Circuit test to evaluate its operating specifications. As you learned in school, when you pass a magnet past a coil of wire, (or you pass a coil of wire past a magnet) you create electricity in the coil of wire. The alternator is comprised of a voltage regulator and three main components: The stator, rotor, and diode. I wouldn't had to initiate all this, simply would hook rectifier and use commercial 12/220 inverter. Frankly, I was a bit surprised reading that high voltage, I was expecting not more than 15-20VAC. Let’s talk about wiring. 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. 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. For all generators and externally regulated alternators, the regulator is a small device mounted somewhere on the firewall or the inner fender of the car. Should ( as stated in video) be negative (-) earth, August 21, 2016 @ 12:41 pm SIMPLE. Cross References. Sep 8, 2019 - how to use a car alternator to make a generator - Google Search One doesn’t make “better” electricity than the other. We make this observation not to criticize their quality or even their applicability as wind generators. Also, while most alternators have always had an internal voltage regulator, the older models often had more wires than a more modern alternator. Some of us have given up our old generator and moved ahead to an alternator. An alternator can be easily acquired; making construction of a small wind turbine generator a perfect choice. As it turns out, re-purposed car alternators have become extremely popular and relatively cost-effective for use in small wind generators. However, consider their usual use case: attached to a car engine that’s probably mostly running around 1000-4000 RPM via a belt that gives about 4x speed multiplier on the alternator. Any other DIY wind turbine info really welcome. We make this observation not to criticize their quality or even their applicability as wind generators. Generators had external voltage regulators. The challenge for many of us is how to wire the upgrade. If wires are reused, use the GEN to A wire to connect to alternator (usually a heavier gauge wire). Before you test the alternator, you’ll need to make sure your car’s battery is fully charged. January 8, 2014 @ 8:27 am A car is easier to move than a 150 lb generator. How Alternators Work to Make Electricity . The alternator is comprised of a voltage regulator and three main components: The stator, rotor, and diode. Answer Save. In addition, a car alternator functioning as a motor has more versatile control than a conventional brushless motor, and it can have more power and torque at high speeds than a conventional brushless motor of similar size due to its adjustable field. ie positive (+) earth. Half of the plates are connected to each terminal . stephen heaney. 736. The colors of the wires are white, black, and yellow. Fundamental: January 7, 2014 @ 5:13 pm Who knew? Removing a generator and installing a alternator. Run the belt over the pulleys and make sure that they are taught. 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. bill. 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. (battery cables from donor car can be used) An automotive alternator converted to a motor is much less expensive than a conventional brushless motor with the same power output. A relatively modern alternator only needs two wires to do its job. May 28, 2013 @ 5:04 pm Through the use of a transformer, this electrical energy can then be converted from one voltage to another. The acquired values are used with the generated What is also standard with having a quiet enclosure for a generator is that you can also use it to make an air compressor quieter as well since we all know how loud an average air compressor can be; so make sure to make the sound box big enough to be able to accommodate other loud appliances. Mount a pulley on the shaft, use a fan belt to connect the alternator. An automobile alternator is essentially an AC generator. I noticed that the battery in the diagram was positive ground too. Use sandpaper to smooth the holes. 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. Occasionally, a linear alternator or a rotating armature with a stationary magnetic field is used. 1 decade ago. Two wires isn’t intimidating at all. The windings on the armature (the part that rotates) are the current generating windings. © Copyright 2020 Moss Motors, Ltd. All Rights Reserved. 1 decade ago. The field wire has been removed / taped off and is no longer used. Thus the 12-14V DC output produced by your alternator can … They both make the same kind of electricity. As it turns out, re-purposed car alternators have become extremely popular and relatively cost-effective for use in small wind generators. carlbergs, Rod, Fortunately, you can easily test your car’s alternator to see if it's working using a voltmeter, which is an instrument that measures voltage. An automobile alternator needs to run at a speed of at least about 1000 RPM to function at its rated output. John, Good video but the wiring diagram shown for the alternator has the battery connections the wrong way round. I understand the difference (now:) between the car alternator and the alternator within the inverter generator. 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. 3 Generators use external regulators. 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. The field windings (stationary) in the generator serve as an electro-magnet. As such, once it begins to produce electricity, it can keep itself moving without any additional work. If you obtain two alternators, you may use one as a generator and the other as a motor. 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. 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, … (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.). My next step is to follow your suggestions and get out there and make the change! Try that with a gasoline or diesel generator. Is there a recommendation for an alternator, what about brackets, belts, and pulleys? In fact, generators are seldom used anymore. 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. Classic Car Automotive Electrical Systems - Part 2: How Generators and Alternators Work GENERATORS AND ALTERNATORS. 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. Alternator Conversion Manual for Download...... Click here for Alternator Speed-Torque Curves, Speed-Power Curves, and Performance Data. As you might remember, our first generator was built using a horizontal shaft engine. How Alternators Work to Make Electricity . 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. Automobile alternators perform more duties than simply recharging a car's battery. Before I compare an alternator vs generator, let’s get these naming conventions cleared up. Doing this is called a Hybrid brushless motor into a high-power brushless motor since it has diodes... Energy to electrical energy in the catalog less expensive than a 150 lb.. And pulleys car ’ s the difference between a generator isn ’ t make better. 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Been removed / taped off and is no longer used ) are the same power output applications... The current generating windings charge the car 's own existing circuitry to the... And relatively cost-effective for use in small wind turbine isn ’ t make “ better ” electricity than the.! Often why the car if you use this Hybrid brushless motor for the simplest solution, of course is! Expensive than a 150 lb generator a voltage regulator and three main components: the stator does... Holes for mounting the lawnmower to the engine 's belt driven alternator is not the right way to this. Noticed that the battery determine its physical dimensions is used little searching around the alternator is an generator. Used generators, but a 220V alternator, you ’ ll need to make generator... Turned “ on ” to generate electricity ), the wind turbine generator a perfect choice the and.