Another good link that explains...
http://www.otherpower.com/otherpower_wind_alternators.html 

Vehicle Alternators
    * Advantages: cheap, easy to find, pre-assembled.
    * Disadvantages: high rpms required, gears or pulleys needed, low power output, slip rings need maintenance.
    * Suitability for Wind Power: POOR

Homemade Permanent Magnet Alternators
    * Advantages: Low cost per watt of output, very efficient, huge power output possible, extremely sturdy construction
    * Disadvantages: A time-consuming, somewhat complicated project, machining needed.
    * Suitability for Wind Power: GOOD


>>> mailinglist4@farcite.net 21 May 08 15:42:58 >>>
On Wed, 2008-05-21 at 13:30 -0600, Cedric Chang wrote:
> Sorry if this has been asked.  Are these alternators more effective  
> than an automobile alternator ?
> cc

I was wondering the same thing.

The typical automotive alternator pumps out around 50amps at 12V, pretty
close to the 500W mentioned.

Heavier models can pump out 100amps or more.

Obviously they are not optimized for size/weight, and they also drop off
in output quite a bit at lower speeds.

TTYL
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