6 Volt Wind Generator Upgrade

It should, though keep in mind you'll lose 10-20% efficiency as switching boost converters are normally 80-90% efficient. I've used a similar setup on a small scale to charge batteries with small solar panels with success, should be ok to scale it up.

For Jim Sweet--

Thanks for your help--I saw on one of your other posts some outlets for switchers and will give them a try. I assume the same companies make some type of charge contollers also.

Tut

Buy a second generator and put them is series. This is not as stupid as = it sounds.

David--actually a good idea I had considered. Saw one on Ebay awhile back that was real cheap but couldn't make up my mind-- scrap the 6 volt and try to replace with 12v wind generator, rewind the 6v, buy and series another 6v, or just buy more gasoline for the big generator. The switcher sells for less that $5 and seems like a workable solution--although I have no experience switchers.

Ideas?

Thanks

What sort of generators do these use anyway? Would a standard automotive alternator work?

Switchers are fun, they can be a challenge to get working though as many (particularly higher frequency types) are rather sensitive to board layout but there's some very good offerings out there these days that are relatively easy to implement, at the very least poke through the datasheets.

Depending on the situation, also consider charging two 6 volt batteries in parallel, then switch them in series to run the load. What is the load?

Car alternators are inefficient and need all the ancilliary equipment; battery provides current for the field windings. From what I've read about using these in "alternative power" applications is: don't.

Permanent magnet (rare earth) generators can be much lighter and are far more efficient; I think that's what's in most small/domestic wind generators now.

For James Sweet--your question...would standard auto alternator work?

Standard auto alternator would work--generator propeller turns at

For NSM- charge two 6 volt batteries...

This would work--currently I have 2-12V (1350 Amhr) batteries which power 12v lights, heater fans, TV. Max drain is 6 Amps or less--normally less than 1 Amp.

Was hoping to find something to attach to current 6 volt generator to help with 12v loads. Something simple and cheap. I have a small 12V inverter but its cut in voltage is 10v. If I could get it to cut in at 3 or 4 volts I could work with that also.

Ideas?

Thanks

It's sure do-able. What you will find is that simple designs aren't too efficient. I'd look for a design using Mosfets and a ferrite transformer. I'm sure Google is your friend.

National Semiconductor makes a Simple Switcher series which are both simple designs and reasonably efficient, with parts exceeding 80 or 90% depending. Most of them need only an inductor, a diode and a few resistors and caps to work. I did a quick search and it looks like the LM2577 might do the trick.

James Sweet--

Thanks again for your help!

Tut