New VAWT testing

[Gotwind Ben]

I've chosen the toughest one to get right, a small VAWT...

I think people love mini vertical axis turbines for their supposed simplicity and safety i.e. never spinning faster than the windspeed directed at them.

As we know, vertical axis turbines need to be BIG to be of any use, Torque being the best attribute at a low speed.

I want to create a small VAWT using an already made dual rotor axial flux alternator I have here.

Multiple outdoor LED lighting and/or a 3.6v NiMh battery pack charging is the goal.

A bit of Summer fun :D
Images and video to follow.

Looking forward to seeing this Ben, I'm a big fan of VAWT for all the reasons you mention and building one is on my to do list. I have some old estate agent boards (corregated sheet plastic) put aside for making one.

Are you going to use any gearing or will it be direct drive?

[Gotwind Ben]

I'm thinking direct drive at this scale.
I won't get enough speed to reach 12 volts though, it will have to be a low voltage unit for charging NiMh batteries.

[Gotwind Ben]

Here you go, not entirely my own work, the alternator was given to me by a Dutchman (honestly), and I copied Wind stuff Eds blades.
Spins nice and freely, just need to get some decent wind now to see what it can do, 10, 15 watts possibly.



And a 2 A/h capacity @3.6v pack of rechargable AA batteries, watts up meter to monitor the max readings.



The intention is to power strings of white LEDs in parralel directly from the battery up the pole to illuminate at from dusk to dawn automatically.

Looks good Ben, what are the blades made of?

[Gotwind Ben]

Just folded alluminium sheet, made in a similar manner to Eds
http://www.windstuffnow.com/main/3phase_turbine_kit.htm

[Gotwind Ben]

I've made my own string of LEDs in parallel , Similar items can be bought, at a cost..

I just melted the insulation off some 2 core flat (speaker wire) and soldered on 14 white LEDs.
I think I can get away without using resistors, as the battery pack is rated at 3.6v - I could be wrong??
The Light dependent resistor (LDR) is covered to simulate darkness in the image below.



The light sensitive circuit is one of the simplest there is, I used a darlington Pair transistor (bcx 38b) that will switch up to 800mA, I only require a current draw of, (14 x 20 mA) = 280mA.

Hi Ben & everyone,
enjoyed looking & learning from the Forum.
I am new to all of this, i am hoping to pick your brains, i am based in staffordshire, uk.
I would like to know if anyone would like to recommend suppliers of magnetic wire for coils & N D magnets for a homemade generator.
I am building my first VAWT. It is based on the windgenkit, (based on Hugh Piggotts) i am making as much as i can from recycled parts.
Keep up the good work,
thanks & regards to all.
bigwheels

[Gotwind Ben]

Hi
As we know, there is Rob Frinks wind gen kit site in the states.
All quality stuff by the looks, shipping may be the killer to here in the U.K.
http://www.windgenkits.com/

There is a lesser known U.K source of wire and magnets and rotors, I've never used them, but Hugh Piggott recomends them, so I'm sure they will be fine.
http://www.wind-turbine-supplies.co.uk/

I have used this place for enamelled wire, good prices.
http://wires.co.uk/

Magnets from http://www.first4magnets.com/
or eBay generally.

Please keep us posted of your developments.

Hi Ben,
thanks for your prompt reply.
I will photograph & post my project as i go along & will welcome any suggestions & comments.
Thanks for the links, please keep up the good work.
Regards to all.
Bigwheels.