Cheap Home Generator Questions

[jaydee]

I am building a generator using multiple auto alternators and
understand (I think) that wiring them in parallel will combine the
amps but leave the volts the same. Is this true? I plan to then
invert to AC and step up the voltage with a transformer.

However, I have read that alternators actually generate AC and then
invert to DC to send the current to the battery. If so, can I
disconnect this function and then skip the need for an AC inverter?

Thanks for your replies and help,
Jay

 

[dan]

What's that Lassie? You say that jaydee fell down the old
sci.electronics.basics mine and will die if we don't mount a rescue by
10 Aug 2004 11:32:44 -0700:

I am building a generator using multiple auto alternators and
understand (I think) that wiring them in parallel will combine the
amps but leave the volts the same. Is this true?

This is true, but one will likely hog all the load unless they share
one regulator. You may be able to wire the field coils in series and
use one regulator. The alternators will have to be identical, and
driven at the same speed.

I plan to then
invert to AC and step up the voltage with a transformer.
However, I have read that alternators actually generate AC and then
invert to DC to send the current to the battery. If so, can I
disconnect this function and then skip the need for an AC inverter?

Yes, you can. But the output will be three phase, and at a much
higher frequency than household AC. And with more than one
alternator, you will need separate transformers, due to the
alternators not being in phase with each other.

You could make/buy a regulator that will let you get higher voltages
from a standard auto alternator. And you can get inverters that will
use that voltage to make AC. Last I saw, you could get large
inverters that take in 48 VDC, and output 240AC.



You might want to find a booklet called "alternator secrets"

Thanks for your replies and help,
Jay

--

Dan

 

[jaydee]

Thanks Dan,

Looks like I need a little more research and study. I will look into
the regulator issue and try to find the book you mentioned.

The alternators are the same and will be driven off the same belt so
they will be in sync. Sounds like I should let them gen DC and then
invert instead of the complicated disconnect of that alternator
function.

Thanks again
Jay

 

[Norman Webb]

jaydee wrote in message <9c128717.0408110918.1850c74d@posting.google.com>...

Thanks Dan,

Looks like I need a little more research and study. I will look into
the regulator issue and try to find the book you mentioned.

The alternators are the same and will be driven off the same belt so
they will be in sync.

They will nominally be at the same frequency barring differences in
effective pulley diameter but they wouldn't necessarily be in sync. ie the
AC crossover points would vary.



Sounds like I should let them gen DC and then

invert instead of the complicated disconnect of that alternator
function.

Thanks again
Jay