Anyone interested in electric motors whose budget does not extend to
US$9000+ for the real thing might like to explore a DIY option based
on brushless "Smartdrive" washing machine motors. In Australia,
these are sold in Fisher & Paykell machines, and have been converted
for many uses. They can be acquired cheaply from discarded washing
machines, or the key components purchased new.

The ReNew alternative technology magazine has had several articles
recently on converting these motors for use as generators (Issue 82
Jna-March 2003, Issue 80, July-Sept 2002). With the right electronic
expertise, it would presumably be possible to produce a powerful low
revving regenerating motor for maybe less than A$500.

Then if you really wanted to save the planet, you could charge your
battery bank by solar, and/or run a backup generator on biodiesel.
ReNew magazine also covers the backyard production of biodiesel in
several recent issues, using used frying oils as the feedstock.

The ReNew magazine is published by the Australian Alternative
Technology Assoc. Their wbsite is www.ata.org.au.

Andrew Ellerman