Technology Challenge

Im on a power generation tangent.
Im contemplating the design of a high output alternator.
given the basics, Perminant Magnets + coils + rotation = power

- What is more efficient ? high voltage generation or high current generation + stepping in each case to required outputs ?
- How to achieve one or the other in the most efficient method possible. Inductive resistance VS output.
- theres most definately a formula for this, but i dont know it, that probably takes turns, guage, gauss and RPM to figure output of a single coil.
- Now assuming we get those numbers, how do we figure out how much torque it takes to keep this thing going at any speed.

The driving force of our custom alternator could be anything from wind, water, steam, combustion or even some perpetual motion idea. But in any case, its got to be the best we can cook up in our own garages with common or easy to aquire tools and components.
The efficiency is based on maximum output at low speeds and/or low torque to allow it to take advantage of every nuton of force we can cook up to drive it.

As an added note, we are aiming at DC generation, we can acheive this by rectifying the output if an AC alternator configuration turns out to be the best.

As I recall, AC generation is more efficient, as is high-voltage, which is why your local utility uses high voltages to move power over their transmission lines. This reduces line loss.

and I remember from my dad telling me that DC is more efficient.

So, you are the Edison to my Westinghouse?

AC is superior for power transmission because it reduces line loss-- high voltage, low current minimizes the heat generated though line impedance. Alternating current makes for electrons moving back and forth several tens of times a second over small as opposed to direct current moving electrons from one end of a wire to the other.

Also, AC is much more amenable to voltage conversion, with less loss than DC is-- you can only reduce a DC voltage without resorting to AC.

Now, you may be right about DC generators, but I'm pretty sure you aren't. Too tired to ask google to prove the point one way or the other.

Of course, AC is inherently noisy, which can be a pain in the butt.

In this case, AC vs DC for transmission isnt an issue since it would be immediately rectified to a smooth DC current for charging batteries or personal use.

In my experience AC is only noisey if you have poor connections.

So essentially you are building a high output alternator to charge batteries?

Now D1 is correct, high voltage is more efficient, especially when trasnfering power over long distances, but it may not be needed if you aren't moving the power all that far. Especially if this is a home cooked type of thing, a lower voltage would be ideal for safety.

yeah, however in the case of stepping power to requirements its the watts that matter, volts x amps if i recall my math correctly. In the end it doesnt matter how much of either you have except for equipment tolerances and which is easier and more efficient to target for power production.

Not only would it be used to charge a potentially large bank of batteries but will also handle daytime power requirements of a house in such an application. The intent would be off grid sustainability.