Windpower

Database

Testing

     It was suggested by a member of Otherpower's Discussion Board (Tony) that there be a database of DIY wind turbines in order to compare machines and their performance.  I thought it was a good idea, so this is a quick attempt at it.  Being able to compare multiple machines, their construction and performance should be an excellent way to maximize performance and minimize wasted time, effort and money.

     While the number of fields for information might seem like a lot, most builders seem to know the majority of the info off the top of their heads.  Also, while it would be nice to have all the info, if the builder doesn't want to provide it, that's entirely their choice.  If you have info about your wind turbine that you would like to submit, either email me or use the data Submission Form.  Any suggestions on information that should be included, please don't hesitate to let me know.

 

 

Wind Turbine Database
Name
Builder
Wind Turbine type
horiz axis, axial
horiz axis, axial
horiz axis, axial
horiz axis
n/a
n/a
n/a
PM alternator
n/a
n/a
n/a
1Kw, 1.6Kw peak
Design Specs
Blade number
3
2
3
3
Blade length
30"
~40"
~43"
4' 1"
Blade root
8"
9"
7"
Blade pitch
25 degrees
~15 deg root, 5 deg tip
8 deg root, 4 deg tip
Blade material
3/4" EMT & .032" AL
2" x 10" fir
Lodgepole pine
fibreglass
Swept diameter
6½'
7½'
8'
8' 2½"
# of Phases
1
1
1
Magnet type
NdFeB disk
NdFeB disk
NdFeB disk
NdFeB
Magnet size
1½" Dia x 3/16"
1¼" Dia x ½"
1½" Dia x 3/16"
Number of magnets
18
20
18
Wire size
AWG 16
AWG 14
AWG 16
Number of coils
18
20
18
Coil windings
25
20
30
Laminates
½" steel strapping
½" CRS strips
½" bandsaw blades
Air gap
1/16" - 3/32"
Weight
48½ lbs
75 lbs
Overspeed protection
wind vane furling
none
none
autofurl
Slip rings?
no
no
no
yes
Tower
Height
22'
35'
various
Type: tube, radio, tree, etc
steel Sch 40
wood pole
steel pipe
steel tube
Diameter/size
1" ID (temp for testing)
3"
various
Tilt up/rigid
rigid
tilt up
tilt up
Guyed: yes/no
no
yes
yes
yes
Guy wire size
-
Pivot type
tube in tube
tube in tube
tube in tube
Performance
Starting wind speed
 
7 mph
Cut in wind speed
12V @ 250 rpm
5½ mph
 
V @ 300 rpm  *
13V
V @ 400 rpm  *
18V
V @ 500 rpm  *
23V
 
OS protection speed
 
29 mph
15 mph wind
24V/12A
25 mph wind
 
12V/20A
24V/40A
30 mph wind
 
12V/50A
40 mph wind
 
12V/60A
Coil Details
Spacing: center to center
~1 9/16"
~1½"
~1 9/16"
Coil width/length
1½" x 2"
1½" x 2½"
Coil height (finished)
¼" - 5/16"
Coil leg width
3/8" - 7/16"
Comments
None
None

 

Electric motor - some DIY builders also use old electric motors, alternators and generators.  This lists their model and type if known before modifying (if any).     Back

Motor Specs - these are the original motor/alternator/generator's specs before being modified.     Back

Blade length - this refers to the total length of a single blade that can produce drive from the wind.     Back

Air gap - thisis the space between the surface of the coils/stator and the surface of the magnets.     Back

Weight - weight was added (if known) because it might help other builders determine how strong they should make their tower based on the towers built for similar sized wind turbine projects.     Back

RPM - for the time being, until a load standard is agreed upon, this is "no load" rpm to show the blade performance.     Back

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