How can I test an alternator (possibly with a multimeter) and/or any alternator project ideas?

Question

I am currently working on a generator project. I am using a motor to turn an alternator to produce electricity. I have hooked the pulley on the motor to the pulley on the alternator with a belt. I am fairly sure the alternator is spinning fast enough to produce electricity because the motor is spinning between 1000-3000 rpms. I then have attached the alternator to a 12V car battery (to energize the electromagnet in the alternator).
I am trying to measure the amount of electricity produced by the alternator with a multimeter. I have tried several times to attach the multimeter to the alternator but I keep getting the reading of 12.67V which is the charge of the battery. I cannot figure out how to attach the multimeter to the alternator to get an accurate reading of the electricity produced by the alternator. Diagrams or pictures of how to wire this would be very helpful. Also does anyone know other ways to test voltage of an alternator? Does anyone know of other alternator projects?

Answer 1

if its a gm alternator it has an internal voltage regulator,to get current install an amp meter in series with the alt and battery

Answer 2

..... "but I keep getting the reading of 12.67V which is the charge of the battery."

No it isn't.

It is the voltage which the generator is producing when loaded with that battery.

An unloaded reading, i.e. without the battery connected, would be much higher and useless - it tells you nothing.

Having made that voltage measurement you then have to measure the current being delivered to the battery.

Your meter, assuming it has a high current range, must be connected in series with the generator and battery.

Once you have a figure for current you multiply it by the voltage you measured. The result is the power, in watts, being sent to the battery.

Answer 3

Excuse me, but are you using DC volts on the multimeter? Alternators generate AC voltage.

Answer 4

There should be a regulator which will control the field which regulates the voltage out. I don't have any paper work but check with your local auto mechanic.