Clockwise rotating alternator

[RichardIreso]

I am building a home made generator using a car alternator. Because of the engine that I am using and the restrictions of space I have to mount the alternator such that it rotates in a clockwise direction as viewed from the pully. The alternator I have is designed to rotate in an anticlockwise direction. Does anyone know if anyone makes an alternator which runs in a clockwise direction and if so where can I get one? Many thanks.

[sddsddean]

I am not absolutely sure on this (it is Sunday morning!), but I think the alternator will work anticlockwise, but you may have to take the rectifier out of the back. Try it and you can test it by wiring a bulb across the output terminals and spin it by hand or with a drill on the shaft or something.

[RichardIreso]

Thanks sddsddean. The problem is not the generation of power, it is the cooling fan, it does not work sufficiently when running backwards. Do you know if they make cooling fans to work clockwise? Many thanks

[PhilLew]

Could you run the alternator you have with the drive belt in a figure of eight. This would make the anti-clockwise motor turn the alternator clockwise solving the problem with the fan :-)

[RichardIreso]

Thanks PhilLew. Unfortunately not.

[BadlyHungBoy]

Will the fan fit on the other way round? If not, how about bending each vane backwards, with a pair of pliers?

[RichardIreso]

No, the fan is not like a propellor, it is more like a centrifugal fan which sucks air in radially then pushes it through the alternator. It would not be possible to alter it in that way. Thanks all the same.

[sft42]

Try this link and go to picture number 13 http://tzrewinds.co.uk/database.htm however the only clockwise alternators i can find are bike ones...hope this helps.

[RichardIreso]

Thanks sft42, I have emailed them but as you say it all looks like mcycle parts. There must be someone out there who knows if these parts are made!

[ukkid76]

Perhaps rather than trying to find a alternator that runs anticlockwise try looking out for one that you can extend the shaft out through the rear that will then need to be turned anticlockwise to operate

[RichardIreso]

Thanks ukkid76. I already have the permanent magnet alternator, there is no provision to easily extend the shaft from the rear. I am still looking for a suitable fan. Any ideas anyone?