Hi, > Can electricity produced from a spinning wheel (a water wheel for > example) via a generator go in reverse?
What do you mean by "going in reverse"? Turning in the sense opposite to the normal one? Most generators will work fine that way, but not all. > More specifically, if > electricity were applied to a generator, would it spin the wheel? This too depends on the kind of generator. Many will work as motor, but at reduced efficiency and often with severe limitations, such as not being self-starting. Generally speaking, it's best to use a machine for the purpose it was designed. Given that both motors and generators are easily found commercially, I don't see such big sense in reversing their functions, except for fun and experiment. > Also, where can I find an easy "recipe" for making a generator for > water flow or wind? If your machine falls into a power class for which you can find ready-made generators, it's usually best to buy one. Car alternators are cheap, widely available in many sizes, and are solidly proven technology. They cover the range from about 200 to 1000 Watt. Above that power level, alternators for 220 or 110V are abundant and of reasonable cost. Only below the 200 Watt level could it make sense to build a specialised generator. That would usually be done with permanent magnets on the rotor, and coils on the stator. There are countless different mechanical arrangements possible. The output from the coils would be rectified with diodes and used to charge batteries. Regulation would be done with a circuit that switches in a load, or that disconnects the generator, or that regulates the current from it, when the batteries are full. Manfred. ---------------------------- Visit my hobby website! http://ludens.cl ---------------------------- ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~--> Get fast access to your favorite Yahoo! Groups. Make Yahoo! your home page http://us.click.yahoo.com/dpRU5A/wUILAA/yQLSAA/FGYolB/TM --------------------------------------------------------------------~-> Does your company feature in the microhydro business directory at http://microhydropower.net/directory ? If not, please register free of charge and be exposed to the microhydro community world wide! NOTE: The advertisements in this email are added by Yahoogroups who provides us with free email group services. The microhydro-group does not endorse products or support the advertisements in any way. More information on micro hydropower at http://microhydropower.net To unsubscribe: send empty message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/microhydro/ <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
