Can a brushless dc motor be used as a generator?

Thread Starter

windi

Joined Mar 22, 2013
1
I am a student working on the fabrication of a small wind turbine. I have been given a brushless DC motor. I want to know if this motor is interchangeable to a generator. The motor comes with a controller which I've been asked to detach. The motor shall charge a 12v Battery for an off grid system. My knowledge on electronics is limited to its basics. Can any one help me? Thanks a million!

Details written on the motor:
cyclone Taiwan BLDC motor
DC 48V 3600 RPM 1050W
Max Torque= 98kg-cm
S/N
 

THE_RB

Joined Feb 11, 2008
5,438
Probably, assuming the BLDC motor is the type that has permanent magnets (most smaller ones are).

You didn't mention the wiring, but if it has just 3 wires it's likely a perm mag motor with 3 phase delta windings, and will make 3 phase AC output when turned.

All you need is to add 6 diodes to make a "3 phase bridge rectifier" and it will work as a DC generator.
 
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