Abstract: Low cost high output wind alternators are disclosed that may be made by modifying existing windmills. The wind alternators of the present invention are brushless alternators that provide high power output without the need to employ rare earth magnets. The low cost high output wind alternators of the present invention employ one or more rotors of circular cross section having permanent magnets mounted around their periphery. The permanent magnets may be mounted to inner rotor surfaces, outer rotor surfaces or both. Stationary stator electromagnets are mounted close enough to the path of the rotating permanent magnets of the rotor to generate electric power. Electromagnet windings are cooled by allowing some of the air coming through the central portion of the windmill to pass over exposed electromagnet winding surfaces. The air cooled brushless alternators of the present invention may be used to add power generating capabilities to existing windmills.