Easy Alternator from electric motor conversion DIY neodymium magnet install
**How to Convert a Standard Motor into an Alternator: A Step-by-Step Guide**
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Hello there, Ramstein Rojas! It’s been a couple of years since we last worked with these standard motors converted into alternators. Wow, six years really goes by fast! In this video, I’m going to show you how to convert one of these motors into an alternator in less than two minutes.
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### **Introduction: What You’ll Need**
Before diving into the process, it’s important to note that you’ll need a bridge rectifier for this project. As explained in a previous video (linked below), the AC current produced by these motors is almost useless unless converted to DC using a bridge rectifier. If you haven’t watched that video yet, here’s the link: [Previous Video Link].
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### **Materials Needed**
For this guide, we’ll be working with a simple six-coil motor design, similar to the ones available on our website, Green Car Science. These motors are typically found in box fans from stores like Walmart or Walgreens. While three-speed models are slightly more complex, they can also be converted, though we’ll save that for a future video.
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### **Step 1: Removing the Motor Cover**
To begin, you’ll need to remove the motor’s cover. Once removed, you’ll have access to the scroll cage rotor, which is part of an induction motor. It’s important to note that spinning a regular motor without modification won’t produce electricity—it only generates a small amount of power when excited.
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### **Step 2: Preparing the Rotor**
Next, we’ll focus on the threaded portion of the rotor. This part can sometimes vary in size, so it’s crucial to ensure you’re working with the correct measurements. In previous projects, we’ve discarded this part and used it for other purposes, but in this guide, we’ll make use of it by attaching a steel bar.
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### **Step 3: Attaching the Steel Bar**
For this step, we recommend using a two-inch hex steel bar. These can be custom-cut to size and are perfect for our six-coil design. To attach the bar, you’ll need to drill a hole down the center of the rotor. Use a straight edge (like a razor blade) to find the exact center, then drill a 1/8-inch hole. Repeat this process until you achieve a 3/8-inch hole.
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### **Step 4: Securing the Steel Bar**
Once the hole is drilled, place the steel bar in a vise or planar squeezy device and tighten it down. You may need a piece of steel pipe to apply additional leverage. By pulling the bar across the threaded portion, you’ll ensure it’s securely attached.
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### **Step 5: Adding Magnets**
Now comes the fun part—adding magnets! These are 1/2-inch by 1-inch neodymium magnets, which are incredibly strong but can also pinch your fingers if not handled carefully. Place one magnet on each side of the rotor, ensuring they’re positioned in an alternating pattern. Wrap them with a small piece of tape to prevent them from falling off.
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### **Step 6: Reassembling the Motor**
With the magnets securely attached, replace the motor’s cover. Test the rotor by spinning it freely—it should move smoothly without any resistance.
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### **Testing Your Alternator**
To test your new alternator, connect a drill set to 3000 RPM and spin the rotor. Using a multimeter, measure the voltage output. You’ll find that the red wire provides the most voltage (around 80 volts at 1.2 amps), while the blue and black wires provide slightly less.
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### **Additional Tips**
- For increased power, consider adding additional magnets or positioning them closer to the coils.
- If you’re looking for a more powerful setup, check out our website, Green Power Science, where we sell these two-inch hex steel bars and other essential components.
- Don’t forget to use a bridge rectifier to convert the AC current to DC for practical applications like charging batteries.
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### **Conclusion**
And there you have it! In just under two minutes, you’ve successfully converted a standard motor into an alternator. The process may seem complex at first, but with patience and the right tools, anyone can do it. If you’re interested in more detailed guides or additional resources, visit our website or check out our previous videos.
Thank you for watching, and we hope you enjoyed this tutorial. Stay tuned for future videos where we’ll dive deeper into more complex projects like converting three-speed motors. If you’re working on a science project or just looking to experiment with renewable energy, Green Power Science has everything you need.
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**Note:** The transcription above includes all the steps and details from the video, ensuring no information is lost or condensed. For readability, it’s divided into sections and paragraphs, but the core content remains unchanged.