Lynn said:
Last time this subject came up I posted a link to downloadable instructions for making a small wind generator from a used treadmill motor and a piece of PVC pipe. Sounds kinda hinky, but actually looked pretty good. If there's interest, I'll try to scrounge it up again.
Thanks! Please do! I did a search here on ExPo.....and couldn't find anything.
Here is something else that just popped up in a search on dat net........
But I'm surprised it only says 200 watts. How do we get that figure up?!!
The all-new Air Breeze...........
The most powerful wind generator in its class.
The all-new Air Breeze. Quieter, more efficient, and precision engineered to deliver more energy at lower wind speeds than any other wind generator in its class. Air Breeze is the next generation of Air turbines—with more than 100,000 units sold in 120 countries, the world's most popular small wind turbine.
The AIR Breeze uses a new microprocessor based technology that results in an increase in performance, battery charging capability, and reliability. Additionally, “flutter” noise from the machine has been reduced.
The controller allows for peak-power tracking of the wind by optimizing the alternator's output on all points of the cubic curve and efficiently delivers the energy to the battery. The turbine’s smart controller allows it to actually control blade rotation speed thus eliminating the buzzing noise commonly found with most small wind turbines.
Much Lower Noise:
Previous AIR wind modules relied on their aero-elastic blade design for protection in high winds. This caused a loud flutter noise in winds above 35 mph (16 m/s). AIR-X’s circuit monitors the wind speed and electronically slows the blades as it reaches its rated output preventing it from going into flutter. This results in a much quieter wind turbine. In high winds, the AIR-X will continue to produce power at a reduced level until the wind decreases, at which point maximum potential output will resume.
Improved Battery Charging:
Previous AIR designs required 300-400 amp hour battery banks so the trickle charge of the wind turbine could be adequately absorbed. The AIR Breeze’s charge controller periodically stops charging, reads the battery voltage, compares it to the voltage setting and if the battery is charged, it completely shuts off all current going to the battery. This function is performed within a few milliseconds. The closer the battery is to reaching its full state of charge, the more often the AIR Breeze’s circuit repeats this action. This means any size battery bank from 25 to 25,000 amp hours or higher can be charged safely. When the battery has reached its charged state, the AIR Breeze will slow to an almost complete stop. Only when the battery has dropped below its voltage set point will it startup and resume charging.
WHERE AND HOW THE AIR Breeze WIND MODULE IS USED
The AIR Breeze is an ideal product for the person that needs a little power for basic appliances such as TV, radio and a few lights.
Remote Cabins
Telecommunication Towers
The Developing World
Monitoring Stations
Features:
Unprecedented 3-YEAR WARRANTY
Durable composite blades
Microprocessor-based smart internal regulator with peak power tracking
Aircraft quality aluminum alloy castings
Exclusive brush-less neodymium cubic curve alternator
Sophisticated internal battery charge regulator
Maintenance-free - Only two moving parts
Exclusive Auto-brake-feature that slows the AIR to a silent spin when the batteries are charged thus extending bearing life and reducing noise.
Specifications:
Rotor Diameter: 46" (1.14 meters)
Weight: 13 lbs (6 kg)
Start up wind speed: 6 mph (2.68 m/s)
Voltage: 12 & 24 VDC
Output: 200 watts at 28 mph (12.5 m/s)