Homemade charger

charlesv842

10 mW
Joined
Mar 19, 2015
Messages
21
Hi guys-I want to make a homemade charger using a DC motor. I want to keep as simple as possible. It's for a 12 volt SLA. I don't know much, but I was thinking of something with a Zener diode in there for regulating?
 
do you mean, spin the 12v motor to generate power ?

in which case, why not use a car alternator ?
 
it will not be simple because you will need a controller to maintain the proper speed of the motor used as the generator in order to control the output voltage. i can think of nothing harder to do.
 
Keeping it simple as possible is buying a premade charger. There's way too much risk going on with chargers to be half baking something.

Now, if you had the expertise to not have to ask on this site, then go ahead and do it. But if you are asking, it's likely beyond your scope.
 
OK, apparently it's harder than I thought...in that case, what is the simplest way to hook up some kind of mechanical charger?

Here's the ultimate goal-I just bought a Razor E300. 24 volt system (pair of 12 volt SLAs) and I'm going to attach an engine to make it a hybrid. If it's too hard, then I'll scrap the idea, but is there a fairly simple way to charge that thing up while I'm on the road?
 
charlesv842 said:
OK, apparently it's harder than I thought...in that case, what is the simplest way to hook up some kind of mechanical charger?

Here's the ultimate goal-I just bought a Razor E300. 24 volt system (pair of 12 volt SLAs) and I'm going to attach an engine to make it a hybrid. If it's too hard, then I'll scrap the idea, but is there a fairly simple way to charge that thing up while I'm on the road?

Its too hard, but do it anyway.
I would use some kind of wide range input charger, and then run an alternator at the best RPMs to match the load or motor...

or bring an extension cord and stealth charge.
 
Simple? stop and plug your charger in periodically. ;)


Next best? Get a regular generator that's small enough to carry with you. Ruggedize the charger it comes with (many will break from vibrations if carried around). Plug it into the generator's AC outlet, and the vehicles' charging inlet. Start the generator. Ride.

Now you can ride constantly until you run out of gas.


You can build your own generator for it, but realistically it's tough to build a good regulator circuit to control the speed and output, especially if you are varying the speed of the engine itself to drive the scooter.

The simplest way to do that is to use an engine off of something that already has a generator/alternator built into it, which is usually meant to charge a "12v" lead-acid battery. Then you could use one of those cigarette-lighter-socket AC inverters, powered off that generator, to run your regular charger, hooked up to your charger inlet, just as above. The catch is that you may alos have to add a small lead-acid battery at the generator/alternator output to smooth the power coming out.


But you might wanna check into your local laws, and see if they enforce them, cuz some places (like Phoenix) motorized scooters like that are not legal. Some people get away with electric ones cuz they're quiet and don't attract much attention, but the gas ones are pretty loud (some can be heard for blocks) and often attract unwanted police attention. People ride them anyway, but they do get confiscated sometimes.
 
amberwolf said:
Now you can ride constantly until you run out of gas.
I doubt his charger charges as fast as he uses power.... unless its like a 200w scooter or something....
 
Ok, you have a point. :) Probably need a bigger charger, so it can actually *run* the motor, using the batteries as a buffer.
 
Sounds like it might be more work than it's worth, but I appreciate everyone's input. I think I'll just stick to a simple hybrid: gas power with an electric assist.
 
You'll need more than a 12v regulator to charge a battery. What type of battery would you want to charge? You will probably need to connect a 12v charger or charging circuit to the 12v regulator so it can do the appropriate charging algorithm for the battery you are wanting to charge. If you are charging a 12v lead battery for example, the charge cycle will bring the battery up to 14-15v, and then it will settle down to 12.8v or so.
 
They are Li-Ions. I have a basic electrical training, chargers are a little beyond me. Can you just explain everything I need for this to work?
 
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