Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum - EcoModder.com - View Single Post - Running alternator as a motor for redundant starter motor and EOC

saand · 11-12-2010, 06:50 PM

Thanks for the replies, looks like this idea has a few problems.

mainly
- the alternator belt size which might be overstressed by trying to start the engine, this belt could be changed to a larger one
- the power torque curve of the alternator, this one is an idea killer and i can only get around it by changing the alternator to a larger brushless DC motor

I do like the idea of the rope and pully, i wouldn't have thought it would be possible to hand start an engine like this.

When i get time i might try getting a 2nd alternator which i can break open to get access to the separate phases. Then i will be able to test the concept by putting DC levels on the phases to "step" the motor. If it turns the engine in this configuration then the concept has some chance.
If that doesn't work and i get particularly keen i might look at using a different motor/alternator with higher current.
Note: I may be able to get around the lower current issue by running the alternator at 24v, ill just have to keep an eye on the winding temperature

I think ill have to finish up the other mods on my list before i attempt this one.

11-12-2010, 06:50 PM	#7 (permalink)
saand Wiki Writer Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 236 bugler - '91 Mazda 626 90 day: 35.89 mpg (US) Thanks: 15 Thanked 25 Times in 22 Posts	Thanks for the replies, looks like this idea has a few problems. mainly - the alternator belt size which might be overstressed by trying to start the engine, this belt could be changed to a larger one - the power torque curve of the alternator, this one is an idea killer and i can only get around it by changing the alternator to a larger brushless DC motor I do like the idea of the rope and pully, i wouldn't have thought it would be possible to hand start an engine like this. When i get time i might try getting a 2nd alternator which i can break open to get access to the separate phases. Then i will be able to test the concept by putting DC levels on the phases to "step" the motor. If it turns the engine in this configuration then the concept has some chance. If that doesn't work and i get particularly keen i might look at using a different motor/alternator with higher current. Note: I may be able to get around the lower current issue by running the alternator at 24v, ill just have to keep an eye on the winding temperature I think ill have to finish up the other mods on my list before i attempt this one.