Exploring Wind-Generated Home Energy: A Recent Grad's What-If Scenario

[sleeper365]

This is either too obvious or too complicated for me. As a recent grad from a trade school for wind technologies I wanted to explore a what if scenario: Suppose three high output auto alternators (like say crown vic ) were wired primary coil to 115vac house plug in a parallel connection rather than to 12vdc, and then rotated by wind, so that secondary had a higher than 60 hz output. all diodes removed, no rectifier, rewired back in series... into a homade rectifier, and a variable frequency modulator... is this a likely source of electrical energy, or just a fire waiting to happen... the question is about the alternator portion of the connections, the adjusting circuitry likely would be a separate issue entirely. Any takers with suggested theories are welcome to send, i'll read them. I can't afford to buy all this stuff and build it just to watch it fry, but I would love to develope a hybrid solar/wind inner city home power source. I am way better at the mechanicals, than the electricals...and thanks much just for reading this far. << e-mail address removed by Mentors >>

 

[berkeman]

This is either too obvious or too complicated for me. As a recent grad from a trade school for wind technologies I wanted to explore a what if scenario: Suppose three high output auto alternators (like say crown vic ) were wired primary coil to 115vac house plug in a parallel connection rather than to 12vdc, and then rotated by wind, so that secondary had a higher than 60 hz output. all diodes removed, no rectifier, rewired back in series... into a homade rectifier, and a variable frequency modulator... is this a likely source of electrical energy, or just a fire waiting to happen... the question is about the alternator portion of the connections, the adjusting circuitry likely would be a separate issue entirely. Any takers with suggested theories are welcome to send, i'll read them. I can't afford to buy all this stuff and build it just to watch it fry, but I would love to develope a hybrid solar/wind inner city home power source. I am way better at the mechanicals, than the electricals...and thanks much just for reading this far. << e-mail address removed by Mentors >>

Welcome to the PF.

Yes, that is a fire waiting to happen. Please do not try any of that.

Instead, it is certainly worthwhile for you to do some more reading about how well-engineered home solar power systems work, and how they interface with the grid. You can get some initial information at wikipedia.com and HowStuffWorks.com.

 

[pallidin]

Yeah, you need a special piece of equipment installed by a licensed electrician in order to safely and legally integrate alternative electrical generation with live house wiring connected to the grid.

Can't recall off-hand the name of the UL approved device or it's cost, but I think it is under $2,000 installed. Not sure, could be cheaper.

What I do know is that is DOES work and best of luck in your endeavors!
I will be doing something similar soon.