Connecting wires in a generator

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the construction and wiring of a generator, specifically focusing on connecting multiple coils and understanding the electrical flow in an alternator setup. Participants explore the use of diodes and configurations for measuring voltage output from the coils.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes their design of an alternator using two elliptical copper coils and expresses confusion about how to connect the four wire ends to a voltmeter for voltage measurement.
  • Another participant suggests the use of diodes to connect the wire ends in a way that allows for proper voltage reading without short-circuiting the coils.
  • A third participant provides a link to basic information on winding generators and requests a sketch for better understanding.
  • A different participant introduces the concept of a delta 3-phase system and outlines their wiring plan, asking about the specifics of connecting coils and reducing the output to two wires.
  • Questions arise regarding the need for special considerations when connecting coils and how to manage the transition from three wires to two.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of understanding and propose different methods for connecting the coils and measuring voltage. No consensus is reached on the best approach to wiring or the use of diodes.

Contextual Notes

Participants' suggestions depend on specific configurations and assumptions about the generator design. There are unresolved questions about the effectiveness of proposed methods and the implications of using diodes in the circuit.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in DIY generator construction, electrical engineering students, and hobbyists exploring alternator designs may find this discussion relevant.

Meseria
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Hey, I am fiddling around building, basically an alternator. Well, this is what i have designed so far. I made two copper coils, then squished so they were very eliptical and then connected the two flat coils together with zip ties and made a large coil. Basically, the large coil is the two small coils connected together to make a a circle (looks like a donut).

Now i take the 12v screw driver and attach two magnets and stick them in the hole of the coil and spin them. Ok so that's how it works, nothing new or unknown here.

Now, when your coil is made of just 1 wire, you connect the two ends to the two ends on the voltmeter and it will measure the voltage. However, my setup has four wire ends because the complete circle is made up of two smaller circles. Now, if i just twist the wires together and connect em to the gator clips on my voltmeter it won't read out, because it makes the coil a single complete unit and i need them to be separate if i want to keep the magnets where they are.

So, i am pretty sure i need a diode or two in order to connect the wires together and keep the electrical flow going outward instead of back through the other cable.

I have two wires and four ends. I need to connect two ends and two ends together and then connect those to the + and - ends on my voltmeter and get a reading.
thank you
 
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i was just thinking. Is it possible to use four diodes to make this work correctly?

Say, semi-circle one has wire ends a and b, and semi-circle two has wire ends c and d.

if i connect 1 diode to each wire end and then connect the diodes of a and c and b and d together would that work in combining the two avenues into one so my voltmeter will read it correctly?
 
h1011v4_52_4.jpg


i want to make a delta 3 phase system.

Now, i know how i need to wire everything together, but i have a few questions.

the plan is to have A B C and have 4 coils each and i would hook it up like this. A1 -> A2 then A3, A4, C1, C2, C3, C4, B2, B3, B4, B1 goes back to tie into A1. like this

fnfig-05.jpg


Now, the part where A meets into C, do i need anything special or do i just wind them together?

Also, how do i take it from having 3 wires (A, B, C) down to two, just + and -?
 

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