What do you use a Generator for?

What kind and size of vehicle's DC alternator that I can convert into generator 220v 6kw for home use only

• Is the size of car's alternator larger or bulkier than truck's altertnator? Could I have a maximum voltage, ampere and wattage to supply residential electrical needs when I convert this DC alternator (12v or 24v? n what ampere?) from vehicle into an AC generator 220v about 25A or 6500w?

• Answer:

  You would need multiple alternators plus an inverter to accomplish this. A common Delco GM alternator puts out 120A at 13.5-14V DC at an engine RMP above 3000. You would have to put the DC through an RV inverter (for use camping where you hook up a battery bank and get AC out). Assuming inverter efficiency of 85%, you would need 7475 (or more if e is less than 85%) DC watts. You would need 5 alternators to power your inverter. The problem is the inverter is VERY expensive, as in thousands of dollars. The problem with using a car alternator as an AC source is it is THREE PHASE. I have had people disable the regulator and get high AC voltage out, but it is three phase. You would have a difficult time clocking multiple auto alternators so the phases all matched, and then you would only have 3 phase voltage (probably less than 220V but 120V) and it wouldn't be regulated. For 6500 watts you need a belt driven gen head. See northern tool link to belt driven 25KW head. Also look at their inverters for taking DC and making AC (yeah, I know--americans use 120 but I'm sure you could find a supplier to go to 240) But dollar for dollar, you would spend more to fool around with DC alternators than just getting a gen head which was rated at the wattage and voltage with self-regulation. ALSO you must REGULATE the RPM. SO just hooking it to a car engine isn't going to work without a governor, which car engines don't have unless you preserve the cruise control option and hook up the speed sensor (which may give weird results at high engine RPM such as 3600 for 60HZ or 3000 RPM for 50Hz). NOTE: my links are for 120VAC at 60Hz. Europe will have different specs.