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They claim spinning by hand gives over 12V. But running the numbers in the recent excel spreadsheet would put it at around 500 to 600 RPM at least to get 12V. What do you think?
KiwiJohn Guru Joined: 01/12/2005 Location: New ZealandPosts: 691
Posted: 02:33am 18 Aug 2008
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To claim that he gets 12v turning it by hand means nothing if he does not indicate what the load was.
Just spinning a motor connected to a meter would give a much greater indicated voltage that if something was connected to it.
adric22 Regular Member Joined: 06/08/2008 Location: United StatesPosts: 47
I've heard some people say steppers are good for small generators, others say no..
KiwiJohn Guru Joined: 01/12/2005 Location: New ZealandPosts: 691
Posted: 10:34pm 18 Aug 2008
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That is a much smaller unit so dont expect too much from it.
There are a few advantages with a stepper, no brushes for a start also numerous coils that can be connected in different ways to get a different range of voltages and current.
There are several references to using steppers as generators on this site.Edited by KiwiJohn 2008-08-20
Dinges Senior Member Joined: 04/01/2008 Location: AlbaniaPosts: 510
Posted: 11:54am 19 Aug 2008
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Adric,
The sad truth is that there exist very few good motors out there which can be used 'as is' for windturbine use. It's why most people -build- their generators from scratch even though that is a lot of work.
The F&P seems to be sort of an exception. It's not perfect but certainly very useful. Tapedrive motors (TDM) are another possibility if you're looking for only little power. Keep in mind that not all TDMs are useful. Steppers are a possibility, again for little power. But from your 'blades from a bucket' thread I understand that you're looking more for a toy than something to power the house and go off-grid.
As I've said in another thread I'd give rewinding the scootermotor a go. Advantages are that you already have it, it's now useless to you (I think) and you'd learn a lot by rewinding it. The bearings won't last a lifetime but are easy enough to replace. The brushes will wear out too but can be replaced too. Forget about gearing up though (for windgenny use).
If you're looking for the 'perfect' motor I fear you will have to look for a long time. As said before, there's a reason just about anyone looking for serious power builds their generators, either axial fluxes or motor conversions. If it's just a toy you're after (nothing wrong with toys, all my gennies are ) then the scooter motor may be as good as anything.
Anyway, I'm planning to rewind my scooter motor soon, just for the fun of it.Edited by Dinges 2008-08-21
adric22 Regular Member Joined: 06/08/2008 Location: United StatesPosts: 47
Posted: 12:56pm 19 Aug 2008
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My goal is to create a small platform that I can experiment with. I want to try making different kinds of blades and be able to compare output under similar wind conditions. That way when I go to build a larger one I'll know exactly what I want. However, even though I don't plan to power my home from it, I still need enough power to charge a 12V battery otherwise I feel I'm wasting my time. After all, I'll have the same challange with a larger one, if not worse because the RPM will be even slower.
KiwiJohn Guru Joined: 01/12/2005 Location: New ZealandPosts: 691
Posted: 07:17pm 19 Aug 2008
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Adric22, it would be very hard to get started with stuff you can buy from Ebay unless you can find a motor that is the same as one you know has been used before (an F&P for example) for a wind generator.
What you need to do is get your hands actually on the motors you think might be useful. See if the shaft turns easily by hand and if it does then short the wires together and see if it is much harder to turn. Hard to turn is what you are looking for.
Notice. New forum software under development. It's going to miss a few functions and look a bit ugly for a while, but I'm working on it full time now as the old forum was too unstable. Couple days, all good. If you notice any issues, please contact me.
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) then the scooter motor may be as good as anything.
of it.