Which factors determine the power output of a permanent magnet alternator

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the factors that determine the power output of a permanent magnet alternator, specifically in the context of a project to create a toy powered by such a generator. Participants explore the requirements for generating approximately 1.5 Watts from a spinning axis and the implications of using a gearbox, torque, and RPM for effective operation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant specifies the need to produce around 1.5 Watts from a spinning axis and considers the use of a gearbox, questioning the necessary torque and RPM for effectiveness.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of understanding project requirements before beginning the design and asks for clarification on the project statement.
  • A participant clarifies that the goal is to create an alternator rather than a dynamo, intending to rectify the current to power toy cars.
  • There is a suggestion that the specifications of the toy car motors will provide necessary voltage and power information for the project.
  • One participant mentions that permanent magnet alternators are used in small wind turbines and provides a reference to a paper for further details on generator design.
  • A later reply corrects an earlier statement about bicycle generators, noting that they are AC dynamos rather than DC generators.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the need for clarity regarding the project requirements and the distinction between a generator and a motor. However, there are competing views regarding the complexity of using an alternator versus a simpler DC generator, and the discussion remains unresolved on the best approach for the project.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the specific torque and RPM values needed for the generator's effectiveness, and there are unresolved questions about the specifications of the toy car motors and their compatibility with the proposed generator design.

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TL;DR
I have to design a permanent magnet motor (as an assignment) that should be able to power a relatively small load of around 1.5 Watts, and i would like to know where could i read and learn how to relate parameters such as rpm,coil turns, coil wire thickness, torque required to achieve a certain rpm, etc... With the power output in order to achieve an effective design.
To be more precise the generator has to be able to produce around 1.5 Watts from a person spinning its axis, which is why I was thinking of putting a gearbox in my design but I need to know how much Torque would it take to spin the axis and at what rpm would the generator be effective.
 
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Welcome to PF. Sounds like a good project.

We are here to help you, but you have to do the work. So tell us what research you have done so far. Here are some tips.
  1. Do not begin design until the requirements are well known. You did not show us the actual project statement including all requirements. In other words, what must it do to be declared a success?
  2. [edit] I think you used the wrong words. You want to make a generator, not a motor. The generator should product 1.5 watts of electricity and perhaps light a LED. Correct?
 
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I'm very sorry for not explaining myself correctly.
The actual assignment goal is to make a toy very similar to the one in the attached file, the only difference between the one in the file and the one I am planning to make is that I will not be making a dynamo, but an alternator and rectifying the current with another circuit in order to power the toy cars.
 

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So your dynamo is a generator, not a motor as you said in post #1. The motors are in the toy cars and are not part of your project. That is much clearer.

The specifications of the toy car motors should give you the required voltage and power. What do they say?

Permanent magnet alternators are used on small wind turbines, for example a wind generator to mount on a boat. It is actually a permanent magnet synchronous generator plus diodes.

This paper (starting on page 24) gives many helpful details on the generator design. See if you can understand that first, then come back with more questions. I fear it may be too advanced for your project.

http://www.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:470652/FULLTEXT01
This youtube video may be more help.

This page discusses similar dynamos 3w instead of 1.5 watts, but they don't give design details.
https://www.cyclingabout.com/best-dynamo-hub-bicycle-touring-bikepacking/
By the way, doing it as a DC generator instead of an alternator is simpler. Old fashioned bicycle generators used simpler DC methods.

1570204687950.png
 
Last edited:
Whoops, @Baluncore informed me that I was wrong. That bicycle generator is not DC, it is an AC dynamo.
 

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