Re: 3 phase car alternators

["Tesla list" <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Original poster: Jeff Larson <jeff@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>

About 15 years ago when I started playing with Tesla coils  my friend 
and I were looking for sources of high voltage since we had burned 
out the transformers that we had.  We had taken apart a alternator 
and removed the diodes and extended the stator windings out of the 
case.  I think we just fed them through holes in the side.  This was 
C clamped to the welding table.  We then put a 18 inch pulley on a 8 
Hp Briggs and Stratton gas engine that had a horizontal shaft.  The 
engine was also mounted to the welding table so that a belt was 
placed on the large pulley and the tiny pulley of the 
alternator.  The speed ratio between the engine and the alternator 
was huge.   Like maybe 1 to 9.  Any way,
the engine was started and run up to speed.  The alternator was 
singing at a high speed.  Then 12 volts was applied to the field 
winding, or was it 24,   I don't remember.  What I do vividly 
remember was the hot arcs that jump between the stator wires sticking 
out in the air.  It was like a Jacobs ladder.  Man did that put a 
load on the engine.  It would bog the engine way down until we 
removed the voltage on the field winding.
I don't know how much voltage was on stator, but the wires must have 
been about 1/4 to 1/2 inch apart.  So maybe 10kv.  Imagine that!  We 
didn't use it for anything, but it was fun.
I think someone out there needs to revisit this experiment.  Who has 
the stuff , and the time?  A challenge.  We will want to see video.
Jeff Larson