On Apr 24, 4:38*pm, wrote:
On Sat, 23 Apr 2011 23:55:25 -0700 (PDT), harry
wrote:

Also picked up this big IBM dc motor at a hamfest. Going to try making
a windmill of some sort.

Greg- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

You would be best to use automobile technolgy. Most of the the
problems are solved if you do.

The unsolved problem with automotive alternators is a horrible
efficiency ratio. With a petrol engine providing massive amounts of
power for a relatively small alternator draw, they do not care much
about how efficient it is. The automotive A/C units have the same
issue.

All True. But you can pick the bits out of the car (alternator,
battery and control system) and away you go. More efficient than
anything you could make yourself.