Calling all smart people

[flatwater]

Some of the lineman dropped of some old equipment that was used to open some old huge switches in a electrical vault. As I was taking them apart I came across a 36 volt DC motor 1/4 HP. Any Ideas what I could make use of this motor. ??? ???

[DavidOH]

3 or 6 12volt batteries could get you a fast running golf cart. ;D

[justmyluk]

A 36 volt DC motor would make a great wind generator.
My wind generator is made from a 30 volt DC (amtek) motor and it does a fair job of keeping the batteries topped off on a breezy, cloudy day when the solar panels need some assistance...

[tomato204]

The thing about DC motors, they are made to run on a certain voltage but will run on a lower one, just not as fast or strong. Don't go over the voltage too far.

[jott]

I think the question is not what you can do with it, it is what do you need doing? with the problem and work to the solution if you have the storage keep the motor someday the perfect use will come up.

[flatwater]

What do I have to do to turn it into a generator as apposed to an electric motor. I can build a house but when it comes to electronics I haven't a clue.

[bee_pipes]

take a look at otherpower.com - the place is a goldmine of information like that.

Regards,
Pat

[tomato204]

If your DC motor is a PM (permanent magnet)-type, just hook up a Volt-Ohm meter to the leads and turn the shaft. You may have to turn it fast to get a reading. There are always losses for friction etc, but if a 6v battery turns the motor at a certain speed, then when used as a generator, turn it a little faster and get a 6v output.

[justmyluk]

When useing as a wind generator, remember to reverse the leads ??? (red is now negative and black is now posative) when the generator is turning clockwise.
Also make sure you put in a blocking diod so the batteries don't discharge thru the motor and try to turn it.

[flatwater]

Thats what I needed to know