Hello!
I'm interested in running an auto alternator as a stepping motor. From what I can glean from others who have done so is that with full stepping about 18 steps per revolution is possible without modification to the alternator, other than dispensing with the electronics.
The problem though is that the stator windings are quite beefy and hungry for current which is a disadvantage. Rewinding the stator with more windings of smaller gauge wire is on the cards but I'm inexperienced in the field and would appreciate some ideas.
Firstly, would it be advisable to rewind it in its original configuration, ie 3-phase or is there an advantage in other methods bearing in mind that I would like higher resolution with less current albeit at a higher voltage?
Secondly, do I have to stick to the wave winding as on the original or can I do it in another way? I would like to go no further than half stepping, if at all possible.
The alternator (100A) that I have to play with has 12 interleaved pole pieces on the rotor and 36 on the stator. I would prefer not to modify the rotor (no hydraulic press)!
For control I can use a microprocessor with a Mosfet H-bridge for polarity reversal but other than that I would like the electronics as simple as possible.
The max speed should be about 5000 rpm and about 100 steps per rev would be nice.
Ultimately it would be used to drive a small lathe, for instance.
Perhaps I'm overambitious but would really like to know what you gurus think.
Grateful thanks,
Martin
I'm interested in running an auto alternator as a stepping motor. From what I can glean from others who have done so is that with full stepping about 18 steps per revolution is possible without modification to the alternator, other than dispensing with the electronics.
The problem though is that the stator windings are quite beefy and hungry for current which is a disadvantage. Rewinding the stator with more windings of smaller gauge wire is on the cards but I'm inexperienced in the field and would appreciate some ideas.
Firstly, would it be advisable to rewind it in its original configuration, ie 3-phase or is there an advantage in other methods bearing in mind that I would like higher resolution with less current albeit at a higher voltage?
Secondly, do I have to stick to the wave winding as on the original or can I do it in another way? I would like to go no further than half stepping, if at all possible.
The alternator (100A) that I have to play with has 12 interleaved pole pieces on the rotor and 36 on the stator. I would prefer not to modify the rotor (no hydraulic press)!
For control I can use a microprocessor with a Mosfet H-bridge for polarity reversal but other than that I would like the electronics as simple as possible.
The max speed should be about 5000 rpm and about 100 steps per rev would be nice.
Ultimately it would be used to drive a small lathe, for instance.
Perhaps I'm overambitious but would really like to know what you gurus think.
Grateful thanks,
Martin