Outboard = Generator???

[mnmfors]

I just have a question about a theory I had. I know little to nothing about charging systems. I did however learn in the recent past that my outboard motor produces ac power and then is converted into dc power. <br /><br />My question is, is the ac power a useable power source for say....shrimping lights....light appliances when camping....etc. It sure would beat lugging a generator with you. <br /><br />I am pretty sure it wouldn't work, or I am sure others would have thought of it before I had. If I had to guess, it probably has the wrong ohms, amps, or something. If this is the case, could these problems be solved...in theory?

 

[FlyBoyMark]

Re: Outboard = Generator???

Yes it is usable..several years ago some outboards that did not have full electrical systems had a "running light" output for this purpose. If your outboard has an electricle charging circut for running with a battery..leave it as is.......If you disable it it would serve no purpose and you would be unable to charge your battery. May I suggest that you use some sort of 12 volt quartz type light if you need high output in candle power

 

[mnmfors]

Re: Outboard = Generator???

How about bridging from the stator, making a plug and a switch, and leaving it hooked to the rectifier?<br /><br />I really thought more on the lines of camping use.<br /><br />I go camping on an island in the river quite a bit.

 

[jee70611]

Re: Outboard = Generator???

Hi, <br /><br />What you are wanting to do is possible, I just don't know how much power I would try to pull out of that little stator. I have successfully produced a 115 volt output from an ac stator on a honda three wheeler a few years ago. It didn't produce very much power but it did work. You would have to use a step up transformer (Or a standard step down used in reverse) to get the right power output. I don't know the exact values for voltage or amperage you should use but it shouldn't be hard to come by. It would probrably work ok for just running lights but I wouldn't wanna chance it. Those stators cost a lot more than power inverters. When I did it to my three wheeler it worked ok as long as I monitored the voltage VERY carefully because it and the frequency change drastically as the rpm's change. I was using it to run an alarm clock so it wasn't pulling but maybe 20 watts. Light bulbs use much more than that. If I were you, I wouldn't risk damaging my stator. I would just run down to wal-mart of k-mart and buy a cheap inverter for about 40-50 bucks. <br /><br />Good Luck<br /><br />James

 

[FlyBoyMark]

Re: Outboard = Generator???

The stator is rated by watts......if you want to run a 60 watt 115v bulb it will draw roughly .52 amps if you can wind it up enough to 115vac. whatever your system is rated at from the factory in charging amps, multiply it times 12 v to get your total available watts. ex: My outboard puts out 16 amps max so my total available watts is 192 watts, not very much! a 40 amp charging system has about 480 watts of available power, still not a whole lot....And Jee is rite, the ac freq. and voltage chages with different rpm. Not really practicle unless the system was specificly set up for ac current. Use 12v acc. if possible and don't mess with your working charging system. You will not get any EXTRA power.

 

[mnmfors]

Re: Outboard = Generator???

Thanks jee, sounds like sound advice. I have already replaced a stator on my engine and I am still trying to fix a charging problem. I was just wondering if it could be done. And I guess I know it COULD be done, and that is satisfaction enough. Also, it is good to know in emergencies.

 

[mnmfors]

Re: Outboard = Generator???

Thanks Fly Boy, <br />If the outboard motor is idling ok, There shouldnt be much change, should there?<br /><br />Again, I am just talking theory, I dont plan on attempting this.<br /><br />If I need ac power and it is an emergency I could just hook it to the leads from the stator. (Just plan on replacing stator)<br /><br />Just like McGuyver

 

[Boatist]

Re: Outboard = Generator???

Forget it, all alternator do produce AC and convert with diodes to DC then use a voltage regulator to control voltage to charge battery. To produce a useable 115 volts you would have to run water to your motor, start it and run at exactly 3600 RPM for 60 cycle AC. The stator would have to produce 165 volts Peak voltage to get standard 115 AC. However any voltage over 50 Volts will blow the rectifier diodes. To get 165 volts peak you would have to make major changes to the voltage regulator so field winding can induce a strong enough field to produce that voltage. The field winding is only designed for about 18 volts max so it owuld probably burn out or short.<br />If you really want to run your outboard to run camp. Find a way to pump water to your motor, buy a power inverter to hook to your battery and use alternator to charge battery. This will work but a 12 amp alternator will only produce 144 watts and that is if you inverter is 100% effecient. Most are about 70% effecient so you get 100 watts. If you use more than that you run your battery down. Go buy a power generator it is a lot easier. You could also use your car where you might have a alternator as high as 100 amps or 1200 watts at 70% = 840 watts

 

[DJ]

Re: Outboard = Generator???

For the price of a couple of stators, you can buy a nice genset.