You’d be better off using a smaller pulley on the alternator, or a bigger one on the engine. It’ll make the alternator spin faster, producing enough power at low engine speeds. It’s the simplest, cheapest, most reliable solution.
Can you spin an alternator to fast?
An alternator has a normal range of operation. Most alternators need to spin at about 2,400 rpm at idle, have their maximum output above 6,000 rpm, and should never exceed 18,000 rpm.
What happens if you put a smaller pulley on an alternator?
At idle speed, the rotor simply isn’t turning fast enough to produce full rated output. Using a smaller pulley will speed the rotor up, and the alternator will produce more power.
Can you Overspin a alternator?
You CAN overspeed an alternator with the wrong pulley combination.
Does high rpm hurt an alternator?
TOO HIGH OF RPM WILL DAMAGE ANYTHING. INCLUDING ALTERNATORS. YOU IMPORTANTLY MUST BE AWARE THAT IF THE ALTERNATOR IS BELT DRIVEN, THE DIFFERENCE IN SIZE OF THE TWO BELT PULLEYS MIGHT HAVE THE ALTERNATOR TURNING FASTER THAN THE ENGINE RPM, MAYBE MANY TIMES FASTER.
How much power does it take to spin an alternator?
An alternator takes about 1 HP for every 25 Amps of power. At full output, a 100 Amp alternator will need about 4 HP. For a long time, most alternators don’t operate at full output.
Does an alternator always spin?
Registered. Alternator should be spinning when the engine spin because it is connected by the pulley and belt -unlike A/C compressor it has a magnetic clutch. During ignition, the battery is powering the car. The alternator starts to give power when the engine already started.
How can I make my pulley faster?
Pulley systems entail two pulley wheels on a shaft joined by a belt. These wheels are driver and driven pulleys. By changing the diameter of the pulley wheels, speed can be changed. A smaller pulley turning a larger pulley results in the larger one moving more slowly but with more shaft power.
What is alternator pulley ratio?
The pulley ratio is the diameter of the crankshaft pulley divided by the diameter of the alternator pulley. Multiply that number times the engine RPM to get the alternator RPM. For example, a 6 inch crankshaft pulley and a 2 inch alternator pulley equals a pulley ratio of 3:1.
Does idler pulley size matter?
Actually when it comes to the idler pully size does in fact matter. It functions as a tensioner for the belt as well.
How fast can an alternator motor go?
Full output is usually available at or above 6000 RPM at the alternator. The pulley on an automotive alternator is usually half the size (or less) than that of the driving pulleys on the engines crankshaft. That being said, if the engine runs at 3000 RPM the alternator is operating a about 6000 RPM.
How many amps does alternator put out at idle?
Typically you can find alternators up to about 100A with the internal regulator and 1-wire output feed, higher than 100A and you need to start looking into a separate stand-alone V-regulator as the heat generated by a high-Amp alternator’s diode bridge and the v-regulator itself would greatly shorten the life of that
How much horsepower does an alternator use?
An alternator takes about 1 HP for every 25 Amps of power. At full output, a 100 Amp alternator will need about 4 HP. For a long time, most alternators don’t operate at full output.
How much load does an alternator put on an engine?
Conventional alternator may only produce power for about 500 Watt to 600 Watt. But nowadays, a single alternator can produce power up to 2500 Watt, depending on the power demand.
Can an alternator run an electric motor?
The humble automotive alternator hides an interesting secret. Known as the part that converts power from internal combustion into the electricity needed to run everything else, they can also themselves be used as an electric motor.
How much force is required to turn an alternator?
If your alternator demand is for example, 2kW, then you need 2.7 HP from the motor to drive it. The details of RPM and torque vs. power you’d have to get from the alternator supplier. Typical alternators were 50-70A at 12V, or about 720W (roughly 1HP.)
Should alternator have power with key off?
“the power feed to the alternator is hot at all times whether the key is on or off… Is this normal with a 2 wire GM alternator? ” Yes, the Bat term on the alternator is connected directly to the battery, so battery voltage should always be present there.
What contributes to alternator failure?
Most of the time, alternators fail as a result of age or use. However, some other factors can cause an alternator to fail prematurely. Fluid leaking on the car alternator can commonly lead to failure. Often, engine oil or power steering fluid can work its way into the alternator and cause it to malfunction or fail.
Does alternator voltage change with rpm?
Alternator output is not rpm related. It is load related. For example: when you start the car the engine is running approximately 1000rpm. This will be about 3000rpm for the alternator.
Can a pulley increase the rate at which a person can do work?
FALSE. Fixed pulleys do not make work easier, they only change the direction of the force.
Which pulley can do work faster?
A larger pulley turning a smaller pulley results in the smaller one turning faster but with less shaft power. For example, a truck in high gear would have a slower turning engine but faster turning wheels, resulting in a faster truck.
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