QA

How To Build An Alternator

Can a car alternator power a house?

A high-output automotive alternator can not power a house. Its output, 200A at 12VDC is not compatible with household devices, especially the electronic devices.

How much power can a car alternator produce?

Conventional alternator may only produce power for about 500 Watt to 600 Watt. But nowadays, a single alternator can produce power up to 2500 Watt, depending on the power demand. The power that can be produced by an alternator is determined by the alternator rating.

Can an alternator produce 240 volts?

Therefore, you need an alternator that will produce at least 125 Amps. In reality, you need more than that, in order to still have 1500W after you get done converting it to 240V. Fortunately, without trying too hard, I could find 200A, 250A, and 300A (2400W~3600W) alternators … so this is definitely possible.

Why is an alternator better than a dynamo?

The major advantage of an alternator over a dynamo is that it is a three phase unit as compared to a single phase unit. In simple terms, alternator will give a much higher charge rate at slow speeds (idle) since on one rotation of the pulley will cut through 3 magnetic flux fields instead of just one.

Can you run an alternator with an electric motor?

You can use a DC motor to drive an alternator in order to invert a DC energy supply into AC. But you would be setting up a system with needless mechanical complexity. It would not be economical to needlessly drive an alternator by an electric motor. Magnetic force in an alternator causes a mechanical resistance.

What is the smallest alternator made?

LONG BEACH, CA — Denso Corporation has developed alternators that provide output currents of 165, 180, 200 and 220 amps; higher than the company’s traditional alternators, which supply up to 150 amps. These new products, and all of Denso alternators, are the smallest and lightest in the world for their output.

What is a PMA alternator?

A permanent magnet alternator is a type of electrical generator that uses permanent magnets instead of coils to power and produce pulses of alternating current. A PMA provides electricity at a much lower cost with clear-cut power efficiencies.

How much power is needed to turn an alternator?

An alternator takes about 1 HP for every 25 Amps of power. At full output, a 100 Amp alternator will need about 4 HP. For a long time, most alternators don’t operate at full output.

What is the minimum RPM of a 12v car alternator?

Typically, the lowest speed at which a car alternator is able to generate 12VDC is about 1,800 RPM.

Does an alternator produce AC or DC?

Car batteries operate on one-way direct current (DC) electricity, while alternators output alternating current (AC) electricity, which occasionally flows in reverse.

Does revving engine charge battery faster?

But when your engine turns faster, the engine’s alternator also turns faster. That way, all of the alternator’s power can be directed to recharging the battery. Once the car starts, you can rev it up to charge the battery faster, but the best way to do that is to just drive it.

Can I use a car alternator to build a wind generator?

When one uses a Delco car alternator as a wind generator, it is absolutely necessary to modify the alternator to operate at low RPMs. One replaces the stock Delco car alternator stator windings with a stator that has more turns of smaller gauge wire.

Can an alternator power an inverter?

The average size alternator used in a vehicles’ DC charging system is about 100 AMPS DC. This can power an inverter that will deliver about 1,200 watts @ 120 VAC.

How do I get more voltage from my alternator?

Selecting different sized diodes can alter the output regulation of the alternator. A smaller diode will increase the charge voltage by more than a larger diode (due to the voltage drop varying with the diode current).

Do dynamos work both ways?

The Dynamo DC power sends electrons in only one direction. The problem with a simple generator is that when the rotor rotates it eventually turns completely around, reversing the current.

How long does an alternator last?

An alternator should last between 80,000 to 150,000 miles, which usually means around 7-10 years. However, if your vehicle is driven hard around Venice or Bradenton, your alternator may need to be replaced sooner.

What is difference between alternator and generator?

An alternator is a device that converts mechanical energy into AC electrical energy. A generator is a mechanical device which converts mechanical energy to either AC or DC electrical energy. An alternator always induces an alternating current. A generator can generate either alternating or direct current.

How fast does a car alternator need to spin to produce power?

Most alternators need to spin at about 2,400 rpm at idle, have their maximum output above 6,000 rpm, and should never exceed 18,000 rpm.

What is brushless alternator?

A brushed alternator uses carbon brushes to help conduct electricity, while a brushless alternator uses two sets of rotors that spin together to generate and transfer the electrical current. Brushless motors are typically more efficient than brushed alternators, running in self-control mode.

What is a GM one wire alternator?

GM 1 Wire Alternator. A 1-wire alternator offers a simplified installation and clean setup. It has one wire that connects the charge terminal directly to the battery or a 12V source. They are internally regulated and grounded through the block.