Is there a DC alternator? An alternator, as the name implies, is solely for AC output. Am I missing something on this issue?
I am only here interested in what is to be offered by the specialists, though the question, somehow, lacks a clear objective.
the alternator’s field must start with some kind of current. Rotating the rotor coil itself does absolutely nothing, unless there is current flowing through the coil, producing a magnetic field. Thus, it is necessary to have the alternator hooked up to a battery to supply this initial current.
Since the purpose of the alternator is specifically to charge batteries, the alternating current it produces is rectified through a diode bridge. The resulting current is direct current, which can be used to charge an attached battery. This dc current can also be used to supply the field coil with current during operation. As a result, the field coil draws current from the battery only until the alternator is capable of producing its own electricity. Once the alternator is producing electricity, it is self-sustaining.
Connections:
Case is ground; connect the case to the battery's negative terminal.
The metal post on top of the alternator flows current to the battery's positive terminal.
The regulator connection (high resistance to case) connects directly to the battery's positive terminal.
The field connection (low resistance to case) connects to a switch, then to resistors, then to the battery's positive terminal.
Important:
The alternator turns clockwise.
The battery’s negative terminal must be connected to the alternator’s case.
The field coil should not be connected to the battery when the alternator is not in operation. Use a switch to isolate the coil from the battery when not operating the alternator.
The field coil must have some kind of resistor connected between it and the battery. Shorting the coil directly to the battery will draw too much current and can destroy the alternator.
If the alternator is not generating electricity at system speeds, try using a slightly smaller resistor in series with the field coil to provide more initial current to the field.
The alternator regulates the output current to put 14.4V across the battery. If the alternator is producing 14.4V, running the alternator faster will not increase the power output of the alternator.
Depends on the specifics. As kasab mentions, alternators produce AC internally. An automotive alternator has a set of diodes that rectify the AC into DC. This allows it to charge the battery without any additional equipment.
If your alternator is similar, then it can simply be connected. But a very small alternator may not have them included to save weight or space. You would need to check the specs to see what the output is on your device.
Thealternatr in your car is 3 phase and has 6 diodes built into it to produce pulsating DC. Now it needs a huge capacitor to smooth it. Conveniently the Battery is a huge capacitor so the current is steered into it by a voltage regulator which controls the field of the alternator turning it on and off as required.
You will need essentially the same thing. like on a MotorCycle.
A small alternator, like a bicycle "generator" produces ac single phase at 6 volts (nominal rms). To charge a battery with it, put a bridge rectifier with one of the ac leads to the output terminal, and the other ac lead to ground (the housing of the device). Attach the + lead to the battery + and the - lead to battery -. The battery must be lower in voltage than the rectified voltage output to be able to charge, but not too low, you don't want to overcharge the battery. The bicycle could be put on a stand with the generator attached to the rear wheel. A nice addition would be a ammeter in between the + of the bridge rectifier and the + of the battery (0 to 1 amp).
HOOK THE DC ALTERNATOR BOTH OUTPUT TERMINALS TO THE BATTERY, THAT IS ALL !
What would you have to do to have an alternator (not a car alternator, but a much smaller, palm sized one) be able to store its charge in a battery of some sort? The kind of battery is not too important, I am just interested in what the setup would consist of. Can the alternator charge a battery directly, or does it need some mediator?
If anyone has done this before or knows how to, please share your knowledge. Thank you!
