Which way should it turn...

[NotDadsW41]

All,

Working on a science project with a friend of mine. We're using an alternator from the 92 Astro my wife wrecked to generate electricity. Something that I thought of is this: I know the alternator must turn a specific direction to work correctly. So which direction should it turn?

Looking at the front of the alternator, I am thinking it should turn clockwise.

Can someone with a 92 take a look at your van let me know please?

[Smiliesafari]

It's my understanding that they will generate electricity in either direction.

[Rebel]

It's my understanding that they will generate electricity in either direction.

and that's straight from "Mr. Wizard"

don't guess you'd remember him though,,sorry.

[NotDadsW41]

Okie Dokie. I thought I recalled reading something somewhere that turning a GM alternator the wrong way would ruin it....

[Smiliesafari]

I remember "Mr. Wizard". I think he now lives in Evergreen, AL.

[Jim in Indy]

Clockwise, (as viewed from the front of the vehicle) on a '91

[NotDadsW41]

Thanks Jim. Should be the same on the 92 then. I think that is the way we have this thing set to turn.

[Jim in Indy]

Would this 'science project' happen to be something like a wind-powered electric source???

The only 'science projects' in my world are in Tupperware in the bottom of the 'frige.....

[NotDadsW41]

Nope. Human powered hydrogen production.

[Rebel]

I remember "Mr. Wizard". I think he now lives in Evergreen, AL.

Ain't the one Skip, that's for sure. I'm laying laminate flooring at the house and I can't even figure out how to get the last piece under the door frame without pullng the trim off. Surely there's a better way.

[91AWDAstro]

I also don't think it matters. It's an AC generator. What kind of voltage are you planning on getting out?

[NotDadsW41]

I hope you mean DC voltage. We expect to see close to the rated power from it. 12+V and aroun d 85 amps I would think.

[Smiliesafari]

An alternator generates AC current and then passes it through a rectifier which changes it to DC. Normal range of power output is 13.6-14.2. You want a lot more....bypass the voltage regulator.

[NotDadsW41]

The voltage isn't that much of a concern. We've had success getting enough hydrogen using a very small battery charger producing 2-5amps.

[potskie]

The voltage isn't that much of a concern. We've had success getting enough hydrogen using a very small battery charger producing 2-5amps.

So after the experiment is over is there going to be a hydrogen powered coming up?