An apparatus and related method generate electrical power in a tubular
housing, such as a drill collar, disposed in a borehole when drilling
fluid flows through the tubular housing. The apparatus includes a stator
adapted for being secured within the tubular housing against rotation
relative to the tubular housing, a tubular rotor rotatably carried about
the stator, and an impeller peripherally affixed to the rotor. The stator
has an array of conductive windings therein, and is preferably an
alternator stator. The rotor has an array of magnets therein, and is
preferably an alternator rotor. Accordingly, drilling fluid flowing
through the tubular housing when the apparatus is disposed therein
engages the impeller and induces rotation of the rotor about the stator
to generate electrical power.