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Forum Index : Windmills : Motor use on VAWT

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ADAMH
Newbie

Joined: 15/02/2008
Location: Canada
Posts: 3
Posted: 08:23pm 14 Feb 2008
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Hi guys,

I am new to the forum, so Hello

I want to build a VAWT near my home...I have a full 5000sq ft metal working shop, and am very handy making things out of steel. However my electrical knowledge is what is lacking. I have looked at buying a wind turbine however the cost is high. So I thought why not build a VAWT.

a few questions...

I have a large electrical motor that is free....can I use it in a VAWT application? Here are the specs..it is a very large motor, that was used to power a old style air conditioning system.

make: Robbins and Myers
type:N
60cyc
volts:208/440
phase:3
horse power:15
rpm:1740
duty:constant
grease 1/2oz per 4000hrs

my concerns....
1=how to hook it up into a grid tie format
2=will i need a gear box to increase the VAWT RPM to produce any usefull power
3=how large will the VAWT section have to be to apply enough torque to spin this monster motor? especially if a gear box is required..
(I have lots of room and am not against building a VERY large wind catching section)

I was thinking of building a large 10ft stand to house the motor..and then a Anometer cup type design to power it...so I know that I am limited to the windspeed...BUT given large enough "cups" I should be able to apply some very high torque loads to the engine? I have some very high winds(52mph) in my area as well as constant winds 12mph ..

or is this the wrong way to go? should I try to build a true aerofoil VAWT that has tip speeds above the actual wind speed?

help....comments

thanks

Adam

 
wind-pirate

Senior Member

Joined: 01/02/2007
Location: Canada
Posts: 101
Posted: 02:34am 15 Feb 2008
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Hi Adamh.
You have a motor that would produce power. BUT to grid tie you need 60hz Constant. Wind wil not give you that.

Keep the motor as it is for now. You will need to do lots & lots of reading. You have a project, It will be be huge.
Go to www.vawt Look for lenz2 (windstuff Ed.) Go to other power.com There is lots more reading there. You will need all the knowlage you can get before you start.

Ron
THE Pirate.
stealing wind & solar energy is fun
 
ADAMH
Newbie

Joined: 15/02/2008
Location: Canada
Posts: 3
Posted: 05:40pm 15 Feb 2008
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is there no way to use some sort of power conditioner to maintain that 60hz? regarless of teh frequency the motor is putting out?
 
ADAMH
Newbie

Joined: 15/02/2008
Location: Canada
Posts: 3
Posted: 05:44pm 15 Feb 2008
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also...could you explain the techical reason on what makes this electric AC motor different vs what is used in normal turbine applications?

why does the 60hz issue come up?
 
GWatPE

Senior Member

Joined: 01/09/2006
Location: Australia
Posts: 2127
Posted: 11:24pm 15 Feb 2008
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Hi Adam,

Most common AC motors have a squirrel cage rotor. Not real useful as a generator. You would want to modify the rotor for PM type. If you are not familiar, then you should read up some more.

cheers, Gordon.
become more energy aware
 
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