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AC or DC

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Alternator

12-17-2001 07:53:40




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Does an alternator put out AC or DC Voltage,,very confused here..... .Thanks




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DavidO

12-18-2001 05:21:42




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 Re: AC or DC in reply to Alternator, 12-17-2001 07:53:40  
Since the battery (and computer, etc. on late models) must have DC, the charging device must output dc. Technically, Generators and Alternators produce what would be an alternating current, but convert it internally to DC. Then the voltage regulator sets it to the correct level and all is well. I started quite a ruckus with my class one night when I told them that all electronic devices run off of DC (Televisions, radios, computers, etc.).

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Zed-MD

12-17-2001 14:46:31




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 Re: AC or DC in reply to Alternator, 12-17-2001 07:53:40  
You electrically minded N'ers never cease to amaze me.

Electrically challanged

Sam



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Silly

12-17-2001 15:26:51




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 Re: Re: AC or DC in reply to Zed-MD, 12-17-2001 14:46:31  
Thanks Sam, now I don't feel quite as Silly.. Wilford



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Claus

12-17-2001 08:56:51




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 Re: AC or DC in reply to Alternator, 12-17-2001 07:53:40  
The term Alternator was a coined word from Chrysler in the early sixties to differentiate it from a DC Generator. Technically, there are DC and AC Generators. Alternators on vehicles put out DC. That is because the 3 phase AC, that is produced by the stator winding is rectified so the end result is DC..I hope this was not too confusing.
Happy Motoring
Claus



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Dell (WA)

12-17-2001 08:52:16




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 Re: AC or DC in reply to Alternator, 12-17-2001 07:53:40  
Alternators output DC, cuz if'n didn't, blow yer DC battery and all its acid all over the place. Generators also output DC, fer same reasons.

Howsomever, inside the box...er...inside eather the alternator or the generator, the rotating armature must create AC which is then converted mecanically by commutator brushes to DC (generator) or converted by sliprings and solidstate Diodes to DC (alternator)

Now then, you can be sneaky and rewire your alternator for an AC output to run small motors like electric drills, but since only an electrically challenged person would ask such silly question "do alternators output DC?", I insist you ignore that possibility and think "alternators only output DC"..... ....respectfully, Dell

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Silly Question

12-17-2001 10:22:10




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 Re: Re: AC or DC in reply to Dell (WA), 12-17-2001 08:52:16  
Sorry,,,,wont ask sily question again



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don t. - 9n180179

12-18-2001 06:11:16




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 Re: Re: Re: AC or DC in reply to Silly Question, 12-17-2001 10:22:10  
Silly questions/stupid questions....are the ones you DON'T ask. I've been to Claus' site, very good/informative but, try as I might, still have problems understanding it. I know, one day I'll see the light but thats just confidence in my abilities/willingness to learn. I didn't know beans about tractors but have gotten better because I want to get better at it. Good things come to those who wait.

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Salmoneye

12-17-2001 09:32:02




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 Re: Re: AC or DC in reply to Dell (WA), 12-17-2001 08:52:16  
I sure as heck would like to know how to 'convert' an alternator to output AC!!!

You seen the price of an 'inverter' lately?...



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kevin- Poor Man's AC source

12-18-2001 11:36:16




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 Re: Re: Re: AC or DC in reply to Salmoneye, 12-17-2001 09:32:02  
You can do a pretty good job with a common induction motor. You need one whose HP rating is a bit bigger than you anticipate drawing from the device. Connect AC rated motor RUNNING (NOT starting) capacitors across the motor terminals- voila, it's a generator. It needs to be turned at the normal running speed for which it is rated (if you care about freq. output) The amount of capacitance needs to (approx) resonate the system at 50/60 Hz. For a 1 HP motor(gen) this is about 200-500 uF., but you'll have to experiment unless you have a way to measure the impedance of the motor. You can only start a similar induction motor of maybe 1/4 to 1/2 the HP rating with this arrangement however. It is pretty simple to do though, and you can always find some motor lying around. Be sure as with any generator, that you start with no load though so the current in the rotor can build for a few turns. Don't use any cap. start motor.
-kb

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kevin

12-18-2001 11:20:40




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 Re: Re: Re: AC or DC in reply to Salmoneye, 12-17-2001 09:32:02  
If you want to run a heating/lighting device where frequency is unimportant, or a universal (ac/dc) motor any of which requires 115 volts, you can probably get by with the alternator. You have to run the field current at it maximum though (bypassing the regulator) to get a voltage that high. You will also have to run the thing near its maximum speed to do it. You can get maybe .5-1kW, but remember that alternator ratings are based on the peak capacity, not the continuous duty, i.e.; you do not normally run 80A @12V continuously while driving your car.
Free advice is worth what you pay for it.
-kb

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Dell (WA)

12-17-2001 17:23:51




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 Re: Re: Re: AC or DC in reply to Salmoneye, 12-17-2001 09:32:02  
Sal..... ...used to find ads in the back of "Popular Mechanics" and the ilk for how to rewire the alternator to run a small AC motor or sumptin. Remember: watts is watts, donna matter how many volts. Watts is how much power is required to operate any electrical device. How many watts depends upon efficency of design of power using device and load/work being attempted.

And yeah, real 110 volt power inverters are expensive but thats another subject..... ....Dell

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Claus

12-17-2001 11:10:53




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 Re: Re: Re: AC or DC in reply to Salmoneye, 12-17-2001 09:32:02  
Vehicle Alternators are not suited for the purpose that you would like. If you want me to go into details about 3 phase "Y' stators and the like, I will. Nah....on a second thought, take my word for it...
Happy Motoring
Claus



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Claus

12-17-2001 09:02:19




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 Re: Re: AC or DC in reply to Dell (WA), 12-17-2001 08:52:16  
Sliprings are a method of providing dc current to the rotating field. The part that produces the ac current is the stator and does not turn and therefore does not need brushes or sliprings.
Respectfully.
Happy Motoring
Claus



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