Go Kart Generator

[Brandon1023]

Hey so here in Florida (where we get hit by hurricanes and are w/o electircity often for a week) I thought of an interesting idea. I'm in the process of rebuilding my little Tech 5.0 with not much time on it and I decided I could probably build a generator with it simply by attaching an alternator. I have a few questions.. Where do I get an alternator? And how do I direct drive the alternator to the crank? Also I need to know a little bit about AC and DC. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Brandon1023]

It's also my understanding that the alternator must be connected to a battery (preferably deep cycle) while the engine is running? How would one go about hooking up an alternator to say a fridge in an emergency situation?

 

[fowler]

a car altinator puts out dc current and a generator puts out ac current
exept some new trucks that put out ac

u can get an inverter that will comvert 12v dc to 240 ac but i dont think u can run a fridge or other big appliance off these off the shelf inverter

id be looking for a cheap generator of 9 kva and up if u what to run a house
and leaving kart in tact

 

[Brandon1023]

I wanted to do it for fun since I have a spare engine lying around the garage. Nothing serious. How much would the inverter cost?

 

[91blaze]

1000 watts are about $100, about $400 for a 3500 watt, they can get pretty expensive.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Have a look 'round here- http://theepicenter.com/tow052903.html

 

[FlatFootRacing]

I would run a belt drive! Go to a local auto salvage yard! you can get them pretty cheap! Look for one out of a van or pickup...they generally put out more power! And yes like stated above you will have to connect to a battery first! Then get a power inverter!

 

[Brandon1023]

I guess I'll do this in the future. I have enough on my plate at the moment. haha.