so, what motors can be used as alternators.

[lightend]

what motors can be used as alternators?
i read induction motors can be used but need to be converted (ripped apart and have things drilled into them and all sorts)

Im wondering if there is a motor that can be used as an alternator with only loosing a small amount of % power?
any ideas?

[Neo-X]

If you like to make a alternator out of a induction motor you can do it without internal modification or alteration. By simply increasing the speed of induction motor slightly above its synchonous speed, the induction motor will operate as generator.. A induction motor that operate as generator is called induction generator or asynchronous generator. For more info, read it here http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Induction_generator

If the efficiency is the one of your priority, you should replace the aluminum part of the rotor with copper for better conduction. Doing that will greatly increase the efficiency of induction generator. But it has signifacant draw backs when it comes to operate as a induction motor because of its very low starting torque and it can cause over heating due to low resistance of copper in the rotor.

[crazyoldfart]

if you are looking for simple, easy and off the shelf, I suggest a car alternator and remove the diodes. If you get the S10 type GM alternator (also called a one wire ) you don't need a battery in circuit, and voltage is dependent on speed . these seem to work better for me on heat recovery and wind applications