Diesel engine

OntarioVanMan

Retired Expediter
Owner/Operator
Does anyone have a web site that describes how it works WITH pictures??

How fast, rpms does an alternator have to turn to make power?
 

OntarioVanMan

Retired Expediter
Owner/Operator
Relent the alternator is for a non-expedited project...A wind generator at home.

And Thanks a heap!! :)
 

greg334

Veteran Expediter
OVM,
Depending on the model of the alternator, it can be as low as 400 rpm (engine speed). I think and have to check on this, that Ford and GM both have a 'full output at idle alternator' models used on emergency vehicles and do know that the regulator is what controls the output at most if not all speeds.
 

piper1

Veteran Expediter
Owner/Operator
Most automotive alternators need to spin at 2000 rpm to start to give full output most like 4000. That's alternator speed not engine speed. Big pulley on the crankshaft, little pulley on the alt = zoom zoom!

What ya building Ken, a backup power source for the apocalypse?
 
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OntarioVanMan

Retired Expediter
Owner/Operator
I am thinking of using reducing gears to crank up the rpm's...and feed into at least 4- 12 volt batterys wired in sequence.

Wind generator...I figure the four most used power is TV, living room light, kitchen light and washroom light. I just want to start small at first.
 
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ebsprintin

Veteran Expediter
I had to go in and find the catalog. I've found the catalog from New England Solar Electric useful.

The New England Solar Electric Web Site

Much of their product descriptions are an education in themselves. In one description they will actually describe the product and compare it to other items by name. Most places today just cut and paste the manufacturers description, these people give a little more background based on their own experience.

eb
 

greg334

Veteran Expediter
OVM,
If you go down this route with an alternator, I would also look at belts instead of gears.

Anywho, check out these, you may find some answers.

Windmill - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Journey to Forever

Mikes Windmill Shop

Good forum question that may answer your question

Hydrogen Appliances Wind turbines generators

OTHERPOWER.COM

Also Piper, the technology has improved since the 80's on alternators and they have a few out there that do not need to even approach 800 rpm alternator speed for full output. I used the 400 rpm engine speed because if could not think of the ratio used in that application but I am thinking 2 to 1 would be close enough for an example, while I know that the one on my truck (Dodge) is 1.35 to 1 because I bought the pulley and had a choice.
 

RLENT

Veteran Expediter
Ken,

Sounds like a cool project !

Can you feed power back to your electric utility for credit against your bill ?
 

OntarioVanMan

Retired Expediter
Owner/Operator
Ken,

Sounds like a cool project !

Can you feed power back to your electric utility for credit against your bill ?

Not going that big....Just want to be independent of the big bad corporation!!

I've wired together a couple small solar panels that run a hallway light and small living room light.

I guess I'll see where this leads me to.....

I already told you I have solar interior lighting for the van...
 
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