Grimly Curmudgeon wrote in
:

I would have thought so too. However, for some reason, the folks I've
heard of who build small wind turbines, always seem to use motors.
I've never heard of anyone using car alternators. Perhaps there is a
reason for that.

Alternators aren't much good at low speeds and low power. They really
come into their own when attached to an engine, however.
It's possible to bugger around and use PMs in an alternator casing,
replacing the field windings to really improve them, but it's a lot of
buggering around. For that much buggering around, you'd be as well to
copy one of Piggot's designs.

I agree, that this might be the most pragmatic way to proceed. However my
goal was to spend £0.00 on this project. Also, I do have certain qualms
about mechanically following someone else's pre-thought-out plans. Part of
the fun and benefit of this experiment was envisaged to be in the learning
curve, e.g., what I discover during the trial and error process and through
exchanging ideas with live human beings (such as yourself). By following
this route, there's a chance I/we might actually stumble accross some new
angle or idea that Hugh Piggott didn't think of. But at the end of the day,
I might fall into line, sheep-like, and buy one of Mr.Piggot's books.

Al