Can you change a DC motor to a generator?

Can you change a DC motor to a Generator and vice versa without much labor? Conversions of motor-generators may be used for various conversions including the alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC), DC to AC, DC at one voltage to DC at another voltage and AC at one frequency to AC at another harmonically-related frequency.

What are the conversions of motor-generators?

Conversions of motor-generators may be used for various conversions including the alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC), DC to AC, DC at one voltage to DC at another voltage and AC at one frequency to AC at another harmonically-related frequency. You can check the DC motor specifications here: coolmagnetman.com/magdcmot.htm.

What are the disadvantages of a 12 volt inverter?

The disadvantage is that the 12 V inverter will draw 5 times the current a 60 V inverter draws for the same output power. This current needs to be supplied by the step-down converter. This will also incur additional losses in the step-down converter. I'd swap the 12 V inverter for a 60 V inverter. I had a hunch. I'll make the swap.

Can a motor run as a generator?

Basically all motors can run as generators, and all generators can run as motors.......if properly excited. And the proper excitation can be difficult in some cases. Take your car alternator. It is a generator.

Does spinning a DC motor cause it to generate power?

Pretty much spinning a DC motor will cause it to generate power. The only issue is the fact that many motors are not permanent magnet motors, but instead are wired as series or shunt would motors. With these you have to generate a magnetic field in the field coils in order for the motor/generator to generate power.

Can a car alternator run as a motor?

Take your car alternator. It is a generator. You can make it run as a motor, but you have to replace the rectifier with an inverter, add a shaft position sensor and excite the field properly. Some guys have actually done it. But it is a lot of work, more than justified for the result in my opinion. Take a commutator PM motor.