After a quick experiment with a drill, an asynchronous electric motor, a capacitor and a lamp, we got the idea to build a generator. The aim was to connect the 3 kW electric motor to a 3.5 hp Briggs & Stratton petrol engine from a lawn mower. We fabricated a frame where both engines can be put down in two evenings. We took some pullyes and a v-belt for the transmission. The electric motor is fixed with wire ends, so the v-belt can be always be set tighter.

After cleaning up the engine the combination works perfectly. Only some vibrations appear caused by the engine. Perhaps the pulley must be fasten tighter or a damping suspension is needed. After that the capacitor must be connected to provide power. More news about the homemade power unit coming soon.

The lamp, we spoke about in the first sentence, had not a long life: After a high number of revolutions and huge light output the 60 watt bulb broke down.

Posted on March 12th, 2011