I am using an electrical automobile winch to haul a boat up a steep grade. The jeep is too far away to provide a convenient DC power source. I will be using an AC washing-machine motor on house 110 power to drive an old 12 V alternator with a 12 V battery, all unrelated to the jeep. Problem: really thought I knew more about this than I do and I need some advice. First (probably of many) question: where do I get the power for the field? If from the battery, how do I go about regulating it? I need to keep the alternator volts in the 12 - 14 volt range. The load will change a bit, slowing the washing machine motor initally, I suspect. Can I count on the battery as a sump to limit the amps to about 40? I can't find out anything from Delco R about the internal regulator if indeed there is one -- very old alternator that checks out fine. Enough questions for this one. Any help will be most appreciated....
Great site...

 

Why not just use a deep cycle battery and 110V charger to run your winch. How many times a day do you have to move the boat?

With the alternator/battery, you will need mechanical linkage and regulation, as you mention. I would just copy an automobile circuit.

Finally, Harbor Freight has a 1500# 110V AC winch for $115 (list). Part number 96127-3VGA.

John

 

I believe a Delco alternater contains the regulator within itself (as opposed to Ford that seperates the two.)

 

Why not just use a deep cycle battery and 110V charger to run your winch. How many times a day do you have to move the boat?

I guess the best answer is that I am trying to save some dollars and, since I do have all the pieces and I don't have a charger, I thought it to be a good "project" thing that I would learn something from. I would probably move it more than once a week during salmon season and rarely thereafter....


With the alternator/battery, you will need mechanical linkage and regulation, as you mention. I would just copy an automobile circuit.

I can handle the linkage well enough. The auto circuit, I am sure, is the right direction.....


Finally, Harbor Freight has a 1500# 110V AC winch for $115 (list). Part number 96127-3VGA.

Back to dollars. I am really a tight-wad. Also, since I am often a very back-woods type, I like the idea of having something I can use on the jeep when salmon season is over....

John

Many thanks, John. Sure have gotten me thinking.....

 

Hope you are right. But this is an old alternator -- not even sure when I got it. Can't imagine why DR hasn't answered my two emails about it.....
Thanks Paul

 

If the alternator is old enough, then it does not even have diodes, just 3 phase AC.

 

If the alternator is old enough, then it does not even have diodes, just 3 phase AC.

Wish I knew its age. The output is definitely DC. Can I assume that, if it has two terminals for the field coil, it does not have an internal regulator? Thanks for comment....

 

Measure field coil terminals, as I remember, should be around 3Ω.

 

Thanks Bernard....