Belt-Driven AC Generator

[Rabbit]

I'm not sure if this would actually be useful to anyone here-- I don't think I'd go with one. But... It's cool as can be, and I haven't seen anything else even remotely like it anywhere. It's a belt-driven AC generator; presumably it can be fit under the hood of many trucks and vans. Hope it's at least entertaining!

Belt-Driven Generator

http://www.fabcopower.com/generat/bgen.htm

 

[Uncle Todo]

That is pretty cool, ditto on not going with one but also I could see some DIY uses for it.
Nice find!

 

[highdesertranger]

this idea is not new. I have installed them before. not this exact one but there was another company in the central Valley of California that made one. the difference was they used the factory alternator. they might still be around I don't know it's been many years. the thing is they are not very efficient and you are putting wear and tear on your vehicle engine. they make welders that run off of alternators too. highdesertranger

 

[Freelander]

I would think the biggest problem would be heat. The old style Generator design would get hot if it put out a lot of charge.

 

[bullfrog]

The problem with them is you are using a motor producing much more power than is needed to produce 2500 watts of electricity which very inefficient. It is used on equipment that have smaller motors to run pumps in situations where you may need electricity as well and don’t want to carry a generator.

 

[Freelander]

By my calculation you only 5 hp to generate 2500 watts of power. This could easily be done with a lawn mower engine. But at the same time why not just get a small portable Generator and do the same thing.

 

[bullfrog]

They were handy in emergencies. The gas station I worked at as a kid had one to run the gas pumps when the power went out if I remember correctly.

 

[Uncle Todo]

Something to do with that B&S 5 horse sitting in the corner, or that 5 foot water wheel that's been sitting by the stream.