Thread: Ideas for a wind generator

Originally Posted by Dougal

How many fields do automotive generators have?
The reason the F&P motors work so well is the multitude of fields in them so you don't hit a big lump of resistance at a certain point when turning the shaft.

I'm thinking an industrial stepper motor should be good for the same reason, they're available in a massive range of sizes.

Actually, the main advantage of the F&P motor (and other industrial stepper motors, since this is exactly what they are) is that the multiplicity of poles means that a good output can be produced without the need for gearing, thus simplifying the whole setup and increasing efficiency. The smaller peak resistance for the same output is a help, but in my view this is less of an advantage than the ability to do without gears.

Another point is that modern stepper motors are permanent magnet, and these make more efficient generators as you do not have to use part of your output to supply the field.

John

I dunno if you found anything on google, but i found this on the F&P motor;
TheBackShed.com - F&P Windmill Part 1

Baz.

For those interested, the reason the fisher&paykel washing machines have soo many fields on the motor was part of the self balancing feature.

I knew a lot of people who worked in their Mosgiel factory, but production has been (being?) moved offshore now and their remaining design/engineering staff may get moved to their fridge/freezer division in Auckland.
Rumours abound.

It's great that there's a new use for obselete washing machines, shame for them they persisted with an old design, but it's good for the alternative energy crowd.

A brushless outrunner electric motor for a R/C model aircraft would make a good Gen. They are available in a huge range of sizes, not quite sure how you would set up the regulator on them though.



Paul

A simplification of all the above might be to mount the motor vertically with the pully upward. Then attach a disc - bike wheel or anything else you like and attach vertical blades with 1/2 of each blade above and 1/2 below the wheel axis around the perimeter at an angle of attack of about 4 to 5 degrees. As long as you use at least 3 blades then it should be self starting.

Pro's

Simple to build.
Self limiting [because the blades will stall]

Cons.

Not very efficient.
Need to watch how the waterproofing is done so water doesnt get down the shaft.

Anybody else found any wbsites covering DIY windmills like Redback found???
Andrew

more F&P stuff or others?

http://www.sustainability.ofm.uwa.ed...e/83884/FP.pdf

YourGreenDream - Hobby alternative energy production education and resources. Fisher and Paykel Smart Drive generators for windmills, windpower and hydro generators.

http://www.ecoinnovation.co.nz/c-58-smart-drives.aspx

http://www.residential-wind-power.com/

20' diameter wind turbine

These guys are off the grid and are after lots of power so not really suited to portable car battery charging but they go through the whole process.