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Forum Index : Windmills : DIY wind generator
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| going green Newbie  Joined: 26/02/2009 Location: Posts: 5 |
I would like to build myself a small wind powered circuit using a car alternator, I understand the mechanics of an electrical circuit but do not understand how to size power and demand. I think I've worked out the demand to be 300watts constant and 600watts peak 220v AC. Here are my Question's :- What size alternator will I need. How many batteries. Can I use a solar charge controller if so what size. What size inverter I should install. I would appreciate any help you could give me. |
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GWatPE Senior Member  Joined: 01/09/2006 Location: AustraliaPosts: 2127 |
The power you say you need is approx 8kWhr/day. This is a lot of power. The car alternator will not cut it, even at oztules place. This will require a very large battery, to get you through the low RE periods. The windmill will need to be rated approx 2.5kW to give an average 300W. I use the 80/20rule. Your local wind conditions have not been given, so I have to assume you live in an average location. You cannot use a solar charge controller. You really should read some previous postings, and topics. Most of these sorts of questions have been asked before, and similar responses asking for more info arise. Gordon. become more energy aware |
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| going green Newbie Joined: 26/02/2009 Location: Posts: 5 |
After postig this I read a few previous post's and realised that alternator was a none starter. The area I live is Northen Poland, the average wind speed is 30-35kmh. Could you possable recommend a voltage ie 12,24 or 48. sorry if this sound's thick but I really don't have a clue. 
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Gizmo Admin Group  Joined: 05/06/2004 Location: AustraliaPosts: 5119 |
As a general rule, higher system voltages are better. Higher voltage means less current, and less loss due to heat and resistance. But sourcing inverters and controllers for higher voltage is more dificult. A 12v inverter is much easier to buy than a 24 or 48 volt inverter. Contact a few suppliers to see what inverters they can offer and at what price/warrenty. If you can get a 24 or 48 volt inverter for a good price, then that will decide your system voltage. Buy a true sine wave inverter if your budget allows. Glenn The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago, the second best time is right now. JAQ |
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| going green Newbie Joined: 26/02/2009 Location: Posts: 5 |
HI Glnn Thanks for the advice on the inverter I think I found one on a Polish Equivalent of e-bay look here not sure if I'm looking at the rght thing. I've been reading some of the other post's and see it could be possable to use a washing machien motor, I have an old Zanussi top loader in the garage, I'll strip the motor out today and post a picture on here later. Matt |
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| GWatPE Senior Member Joined: 01/09/2006 Location: AustraliaPosts: 2127 |
I would not go for a modified square wave type inverter, like the one in the link you provided. become more energy aware |
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| going green Newbie Joined: 26/02/2009 Location: Posts: 5 |
HI All Here are some photo's of the Zanussi motor... 
Is this a good candidate..? Matt |
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| going green Newbie Joined: 26/02/2009 Location: Posts: 5 |
HI ALL The problem I have is the misses has put me on a very tight budget so I'm try to build this for little as possable, another problem is the language barrier so tring to describe what I need is a challenge. Also Wind generators and their control equipent are not widely availabe and are very expensive over here, so any alternative suggestion for charge contollers and inverters would very welcome. 
Cheers matt |
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