Gener-Nator

Here is a neat product.  Keeps everything looking original.  I'll bet Steve knows all about it! LOL

http://www.gener-nator.com/index.htm

Actually the classic generator is an alternator with mechanical rectification at the commutator. The current in the armature winding reverses polarity every half turn of the shaft so the wire sees alternating current. A few such generators have been rewound into AC generators by putting more turns in the armature and replacing the commutator with slip rings. My dad converted a '32 Dodge generator/starter into one when I was a year or two old. I still have it. Later we did that to a 24 volt gasoline powered military surplus generator. I'm not sure where that one is today. One could make a generator into such an alternator with external rectifiers and slip rings. Converting it to rotating field and fixed power winding with fixed rectifiers like the common automotive alternator would be a great deal more work.

Gerald J.

Gerald J.

Not to hijack a thread, but ou can take a 6v genny and make it a 12v?  I'd love to get my D17 back to a genny and have a 6v from my WD sitting here.  Whats an operation like that cost?
AaronSEIA

I have rewound a 12 volt generator for 24 volts. It was lots of work but educational for me at the age of 13. When I got to college and took the DC machinery course, I learned that the DC dynamo simply needs to be turned faster to double the voltage. Double the shaft speed for double the voltage while holding the field current constant. Increasing the field current also raises the armature voltage, but is limited by saturating the field and armature core iron. Doubling the field current quadruples the field coil heating and isn't necessarily beneficial for long life. Doubling the shaft speed does work and adds wear to the bearings, brushes, and commutator. Smaller generator/alternator pulleys do exist. Then the voltage regulator takes care of the battery. Going from a 3 brush generator that may produce 12 volts without modification to a voltage regulator is a step forward in generator technology that will significantly increase battery life and reduce the need for regular battery water replacement. When the generator charges at fast idle, say 800 RPM, but you plow at 1600 engine RPM the generator would be charging on 12 volts at 1600 RPM or a bit less. I spent several days some years ago with a 12 volt generator testing it as a motor (which works fine) at 12 and 24 volts and it didn't overheat even though I was putting heavy loads on it (edge of plank into the pulley) and drawing rated current in the armature.

Gerald J.