Dia. Mag. Alternator

[z.monkey]

This is the conceptual proof of concept for the Diametrically Magnetized Alternator (DMA). This design is based on Diametrically Magnetized NIB Magnets (N42s). The Lego mock up is to explore the "Auto-Motoring" effect and also to explore the feasibility of using the "Auto-Motoring" effect to make an Alternator...

[z.monkey]

At first estimate I thought this prototype might cost as much as $200 to build.  But I managed to scale down the unit and purchased the building materials for like $30.  It took a good 4 hours to cut the sheet metal and tubes.  Then also I had to shave about 5 mils off the "Music Wire" shafts.  Got a new way to do that with a file and a drill...

So anyway here is a shot of the assembly process...

[z.monkey]

Here I have fabricated a prototype out of 1/16" aluminum sheeting, some aluminum tubes and steel rods for the axles. The NIB Magnets are K&J Part number RA2ADIA, which are diametrically magnetized. The NIB Magnets are epoxied to the steel shafts. Here is the datasheet on the magnets...
http://www.kjmagnetics.com/proddetail.asp?prod=RA2ADIA

[z.monkey]

The next step is to wind a coil that will go in "The Pinch". Diametrically magnetized magnets have an interesting characteristic when they are mounted parallel to each other. They do something called "auto-motoring". If you turn one magnet the other one will stay precisely aligned with the one that is being turned. So, we are going to exploit this concept and make an alternator using this "auto-motoring" concept. "The Pinch" is the area between the magnets. This is where intense rotating magnetic fields are. If we put a coil "In The Pinch" then we should be able to draw current off the rotating magnetic fields...

[e2matrix]

Cool idea.  I recently learned about Lenz's law firsthand after dropping a neo-magnet down a copper tube and also an aluminum tube to see it fall very slowly in both of these.  I'm wondering if the aluminum side plates will act to resist or slow rotation of the magnets?