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Miik999

Newbie

Joined: 08/03/2009
Location: Ireland
Posts: 2

Posted: 12:52pm 08 Mar 2009

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I have built a few Axial Flux Gens (AFG) for testing in my workshop, with the intention of eventually selling them to local farmers etc. I always test them using storage batteries and then inverting the battery power to ac.
(The battery cost and quality is always a problem when trying to sell a system.It usually makes the system unviable)
Now in my country (Ireland) the Government have introduced a feed in tarrif where you can get 19 cents for the power you send back to the grid. It normally costs around 15 cents to buy electricity from the grid therefore installing windmills has suddenly become an attractive option.
(The grid could now take over from an expensive and finite battery bank.)

My Question ; Is it possible to connect AFG`s directly to grid-tied Inverters.
Most grid tied inverters with an output of 220ac / 50hz ,need an input of around 120vdc upwards.

(Assuming that AFG`s could not be connected directly to a grid tied inverter) What about if (cheaper)low Ah batteries were connected in series to make up the required dc voltage between the AFG and the inverter , would it work.Would they be acting as a sort of capacitor , or is there another option and do away with the batteries altogether.

niall1

Senior Member

Joined: 20/11/2008
Location: Ireland
Posts: 331

Posted: 02:24pm 08 Mar 2009

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hi Mikk
from what i,ve heard so the far the esb might have issues with certification on the turbine and its instalation...this might rule out us homebuilders
i,d be afraid theyl smother the thing at birth in red tape

i hope i,m wrong

ps ......one of hughs machines connected to grid with a windy boy

http://www.scoraigwind.com/france%2008/index.htm Edited by niall1 2009-03-10

niall

Miik999

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Joined: 08/03/2009
Location: Ireland
Posts: 2

Posted: 06:44pm 08 Mar 2009

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Niall Thanks for the reply. I checked out the Hugh Piggot one in France. That is similar to what I am trying to achieve. I would like to get to the max that the ESB would allow back which is, I think 6 kw.
Have you tried building some Axial flux machines yourself.

niall1

Senior Member

Joined: 20/11/2008
Location: Ireland
Posts: 331

Posted: 07:28pm 08 Mar 2009

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hi Miik

mines similar to that french machine except it,s the 48v version ...and is being run at 24v (typical irish machine then)

...

jimmy at eirbyte maintains http://www.buildyourownwindturbine.com/
where we try to put stuff up ...drop in and w,ell put the kettle on

it,s interesting seeing one of hughs machines on grid tie ,their regulations might have a more open approach on what turbine you can use , we,ll have to read the fine print about the new set up here

Edited by niall1 2009-03-10

niall

eirbyte

Newbie

Joined: 19/11/2008
Location: Ireland
Posts: 16

Posted: 08:40am 13 Mar 2009

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Hi Mike outback's inverter will work of 24 or 48 volt and a small battery and sell power to the grid but I don't know if the our boys will allow it.
If you find out more let us know.

Education isn't everything; for a start it isn't an elephant.
Spike Milligan
BuildYourOwnWindTurbine.com

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