Electrodyne Alternators

No personal Knowledge but these links may be useful

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alternator

http://www.generatorparts4less.com/regulators.html

http://www.hydrogenappliances.com/powerpmas.html

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Does Electrodyne use permanent magnet rotors?

No. The rotor is magnetized by the field coil, and rotation of the rotor then causes the magnetic field to rotate, so that AC is generated in the stator. Honda motorcycles (and many others I am sure) used this type of alternator to avoid the need for brushes and to allow the alternator to be bathed in oil. The rotor has a peculiar shape with alternating N and S poles.

Dunno how efficiency compares with a really good alternator, but most automotive alternators are very low efficiency (65%) as compared to a good motor or generator (90+ %). If the Electrodyne is optimized for efficiency (rather than for weight and cheapness, as in a car alternator) then it's efficiency might be pretty good -- although I'd think it could not match a PM alternator (but would be easier to regulate).

Probably the cheapest alternative is a standard 12 volt alternator, most of which can produce 100 V or more without rewinding, if they are spun fast. Even the diodes are apt to be rated for 200V (but may be rated for 50 or 60). Permanent magnet motors can make good generators, and then you need no rectification to charge batteries or run an inverter (although you typically need at least a diode to prevent the batteries from powering the windmill). These can be had cheaply through surplus outfits.