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