I am presently undertaking a project to generate small power from fluid flow through pipeline. I want to use brushless dc motor. how can I use the motor as a generator, since it operation requires an inverter when use as a motor. is the inverter changing to act as a rectifier? I need some clarification please.

I always find it difficult to visualise the operation control of voltage/frequency, is there any approach simple for me to understand the concept. please in need of your response soon

 

If your brushless DC motor has permanent magnets and fixed coils, it will act as an AC generator when spinning - the frequency it produces will depend on the speed. The "brushless DC" electronics acts as an inverter to develop the AC voltage waveforms needed to drive the motor - instead of a mechanically-switching commutator, it uses electronic switches.

If you connect the output through rectifiers, you can develop DC suitable for battery charging etc - if you need a standard AC power level voltage, use a commercial inverter.

Bruce.

 

How exactly are you using the motor as a generator??

The reason I asked is because I did some testing involving two motors, one being the generator for the other motor.

Do you already have a motor and driver?? I always go to Anaheim Automation for simple applications such as yours. There might be some useful information on there as well. They have a bunch of guides that can be useful at times.

Hope that somehow helps you. I put a link below for you to check out.

http://www.dcbrushlessmotor.net

-E