The AlternatorGenerator, First Attempt. 48V Battery Charging

DavidPoz March 30, 2023
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About

Welcome! In 2012, my wife and I built our own super-insulated home. The house is one and a half stories, which includes two lofts. To some, it would be considered small, but it's perfect for us, and is even larger than most apartments we have lived in. The house is so well insulated that we don't even need to run a heater, save for a couple months out of the year. Join us to see how we built it and what projects we continue to do! As our channel and website (www.davidpoz.com) grow we will put out more energy and efficiency related videos. We are constantly meeting like-minded people along the way who have their own twist on energy efficiency, which is awesome; the online community is great. We have even done an interview with another energy conscious homeowner and hope to do more in the future. Thanks for stopping by!

Video Description

Will this even work? 48V alternators are expensive. Can we make one from a standard 12V car alternator? I don't know, which is why I decided to try. This video a a complete walk-though, start to finish. I bought a 12V car alternator off of craigslist for $100. I wasn't looking for any specific model, but I wanted a serpentine pulley on the alternator, and it had to look decent. Next was a Predator gas engine from Harbor Freight. In this case, I purchased the 224cc MAX engine, which is 6.6hp. The 212cc 6.5hp engine would have also worked well for this build. The goal is to make a dedicated generator that can recharge my 48V battery bank. I'm using the EG4 LiFePO4 batteries, which is a little more than 30kWh. Sometimes, during the winter, the solar production doesn't keep up with my loads. That's when I need to supplement my solar with some generator run-time in order to recharge my battery bank. Yes, 48V generators exist on the market, but they are thousands of dollars. I built this generator for about $400. Intro: 00:00 Theory of Operation: 00:43 Parts Used: 04:44 Alternator Wiring: 07:04 Building the Base: 16:43 Drive Pulley Installation: 21:05 Wiring the Busbars, Rectifiers, Buck Converter, and Capacitor: 27:45 Test Run: 38:29 Conclusion: 44:20 Amazon affiliate Links: Hydraulic Crimping Tool Set, Temco: https://amzn.to/3JZmzkv Ratcheting Crimping Tool: https://amzn.to/3ZnipZm Full Bridge Rectifier: https://amzn.to/3nvZ0In Heat Sink, Aluminum: https://amzn.to/40uxCZQ Thermal Paste: https://amzn.to/3FZ36yX Ring Terminals, UL, Marine: https://amzn.to/3K0N3lw Capacitor, 450V, 1000uF: https://amzn.to/3lTHopw DC to DC Buck Converter, 12V 5A: https://amzn.to/3nug0yK Charge Controller used in this video (Victron 250/100): https://amzn.to/40k4kNz Less Expensive Charge Controller: https://amzn.to/3K4fZJE Engine Hour Meter and Tachometer: https://amzn.to/3KhxMhE Vibration Engine Mounts: https://amzn.to/3nmbbaz Rubber Feet: https://amzn.to/40DKsoq Nuts, Flanged, Nylon insert: https://amzn.to/3ZrVMD4 Busbar set: https://amzn.to/3M4plYq Circuit Breaker: https://amzn.to/3M3N1w6 Center Punch: https://amzn.to/42Q5EJH Tachometer, Digital: https://amzn.to/3Kl1ken Tesa Tape, for looming wires together: https://amzn.to/3TXUrTx Electrical Tape: https://amzn.to/3KkdeVJ Kapton Tape: https://amzn.to/3G2VWKe Loctite, Blue 242: https://amzn.to/3zhO6IL Bandsaw Blade, metal cutting: https://amzn.to/3M3yro1 Pulley, serpentine belt, 3/4" bore: https://amzn.to/3UaXuYF Serpentine Belt: https://amzn.to/3zlsATu Pulley installation kit, power steering pump: https://amzn.to/3JUeopz Tap Magic cutting oil: https://amzn.to/42PruwW Dewalt Step Drill Bit: https://amzn.to/3G5DwZj Break-in Oil for Engine: https://amzn.to/3nzCG0J Soldering Iron, Large: https://amzn.to/42QY0i6 Solder Wire, Rosin Core: https://amzn.to/3Zvh6aC Flux Pen: https://amzn.to/40qeLPC Wire, Silicone, 12 gauge AWG, flexible, tinned: https://amzn.to/3zonJRq Wire, Silicone, 8 gauge AWG, flexible, tinned: https://amzn.to/3zlkg6u Pen, deep reach marker: https://amzn.to/3M3PKp7 OIl to protect metal, Ballistol: https://amzn.to/3KlZt8Q Heat shrink tubing, marine, 3:1 https://amzn.to/3zC7NeR “As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.” Harbor Freight Links, Not Affiliated: 6.6 Hp, 224cc, MAX: https://www.harborfreight.com/generators-engines/engines/66-hp-224cc-max-performance-ohv-horizontal-shaft-gas-engine-carb-57493.html Band Saw: https://www.harborfreight.com/power-tools/power-saws/band-saws-scroll-saws/10-amp-deep-cut-variable-speed-band-saw-64194.html Tap and Die Set, SAE, Titanium: https://www.harborfreight.com/titanium-nitride-coated-alloy-steel-sae-tap-die-set-45-piece-61411.html Note: I have no affiliate with Harbor Freight. Previous Video making a battery charging generator from a free treadmill motor: https://youtu.be/DaF6n-9RVT4 Signature Solar Affiliate Links: Battery Bank, EG4-LifePower4, Lithium, 30.72kWh: https://signaturesolar.com/eg4-lifepower4-lithium-batteries-kit-30-72kwh-6-server-rack-batteries-with-free-pre-assembled-enclosed-rack-with-door-wheels-busbar-covers/?ref=4_rHcgZ9x-TiF- Inverter kit, Schneider XW PRO 6848: https://signaturesolar.com/bndl-ac-coupling-with-single-inverter?ref=4_rHcgZ9x-TiF- Chargeverter: https://signaturesolar.com/eg4-chargeverter-gc-48v-100a-battery-charger-5120w-output-240-120v-input-pre-order/?ref=4_rHcgZ9x-TiF- Disclaimer: My videos are in no way intended to be instructional "how-to" lessons. I am simply documenting my project for informational purposes. Property damage, personal injury, or death may result, even when following manufacturer's instructions. I cannot be held liable for such damage or injury. It is YOUR OBLIGATION to ensure that you are complying with any local and federal laws as well as code and permit requirements. David Poz, LLC

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