> if I'm generating 5000w and my motor only requires 360 W
If you feed 360W (electrical) to a 360W motor you'll get maybe 320W mechanical power on the shaft, if you connect it to an alternator then you'll get something like 280W electrical output.
OK : you are a noob about science, no problem XD
If your alternator has a "5000W" plate on it, that only means its maximum power output (above that it would burn for instance); but you need to provide mechanical power to turn the shaft.
Concrete example :
- energy needed to lift an elevator 5 stories = 15 meters * 500kg * g (9.8) = 73500 joules
- mechanical power needed if it takes 15 seconds = energy / time = 73500 / 15 seconds = 4.9 kW