A saw this motor on Ebay, item number xxxxxxxxxx. Will it make a good generator for a wind turbine?
A. Maybe. You want a permanent magnet motor that is rated for high voltage, but low RPMs. That’s kind of an odd combination. The vast majority of the motors on Ebay don’t make good generators. Every once in a while though, a good one crops up. Watch for old tape drive motors, electric lawn mower motors, floor buffer motors, and servo motors. Even within these categories though, most of the motors won’t be very good generators, but you are more likely to find one that is than in other categories. Hopefully the photos or description of the motor will include the data plate information. Go to the manufacturer’s web site and research the motor’s specs. Ask the seller if he has tested the motor as a generator, or if he can test it for you. If a motor of possible use as a generator is selling cheap, you can always buy it and test it yourself by chucking it into your drill press or lathe and turning it while attached to a load. If it is a good generator, great! If not resell it on Ebay and ge
A. Maybe. I get this question A LOT! I don’t have the time to research every request that comes in. So don’t be offended if you do not get an answer. Here is the best advice I have. You want a permanent magnet motor that is rated for high voltage, but low RPMs. That’s kind of an odd combination. The vast majority of the motors on Ebay don’t make good generators. Every once in a while though, a good one crops up. Watch for old tape drive motors, electric lawn mower motors, floor buffer motors, and servo motors. Even within these categories though, most of the motors won’t be very good generators, but you are more likely to find one that is than in other categories. Hopefully the photos or description of the motor will include the data plate information. Go to the manufacturer’s web site and research the motor’s specs. Ask the seller if he has tested the motor as a generator, or if he can test it for you. If a motor of possible use as a generator is selling cheap, you can always buy it a
