more on alternators driving TCs

["Tesla list" <tesla-at-pupman-dot-com>]

Original poster: "Jim Lux" <jimlux-at-earthlink-dot-net> 

Another aspect is the reactive nature of the alternator load you're using.

I'd build a test rig with a resistive load and load the alternator up on
that to characterize it (i.e. field current vs I/V out)... You should be
able to model the alternator output as a constant voltage (proportional to
field current) in series with some complex reactance to represent leakage
L&C and the series resistance of the windings and iron losses...

I'd also spend some time making/buying some isolated current/voltage probes.
The current probes are easy... just get some of those toroidal transformer
current sensors for about $20-30 new... they're good to several hundred kHz.
The voltage probe's a bit tougher, although you could probably use some
small audio transformers with suitable impedances.