Harness Free Energy from Your Car: Learn How to Use an Alternator for Alternative Power

Using an old car alternator to create alternative energy is a great way to help reduce your carbon footprint without breaking the bank. Paying for solar panels or wind turbines can be expensive, so an old alternator costs just a fraction of the price. With a bit of know-how, you can use it to generate electricity from wind, water, and the flow of a small motor.

One of the most important parts of this project is choosing the right alternator. Look for an older model, like you might find in a scrap yard. It will likely have an internal regulator already built in, which saves you the step of having to install one. Inspect the alternator to ensure it’s in working order.

Once you have the alternator, you’ll need to connect it to a 12-volt battery. To do this, attach the largest terminal of the alternator to the positive terminal of the battery, and the negative terminal of the battery to the frame of the alternator. Depending on the design, there should be two or three smaller terminals on the alternator.

For a two-terminal design, you’ll generally find the internal regulator built in. Attach one terminal to the battery positive and the other terminal—through a switch—to a positive voltage source. This will turn on the regulator, allowing the alternator to be output at a maximum voltage of 14 to 14.7 volts.

If the alternator includes three terminals, you’ll need to install an external regulator. First run the corresponding wiring from the alternator to the regulator and the battery positive. Then, use a turn-on positive voltage to power up the regulator instead of the alternator.

If you’re looking for an alternative backup source of power, consider attaching the alternator to a gas-powered engine, such as one from a lawn mower. Mount it on the deck, and attach a pulley on the output shaft of the engine. This will drive the alternator with a belt.

You can also use the alternator to generate electricity from wind, water, or other flowing sources. To power the alternator with a wind source, attach the device to a pole and then secure a blade-type fan or propeller to the shaft. Place it in a windy area to get the most benefit. If you’re near a flowing body of water, secure a paddle wheel to the alternator and allow the water to do the work. Remember not to submerge the device and keep it protected from large sprays of water.

By using an old car alternator as an alternative energy source, you’ll be able to lighten your carbon footprint without costing a fortune. With a bit of effort and know-how, you’ll be able to build a working generator, which you can use for a variety of purposes. The flexibility of using the alternator with a variety of power sources makes it a great option for those looking to create sustainable electricity from a low-cost investment.