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Test Gear
In February of 2002, after reading many web pages and looking at many photos, I decided to start working on building my own A/C alternators for my wind projects. In order to test the power output of different designs (coil shape, wire thickness, magnet strength, etc.), I created a simple test stand. Some folks use a lathe, but I don't have one. Mine is just an old PC chassis with a D/C motor mounted on top of it (with rubber bushings), and a threaded rod coupled to it's shaft. To control the speed of the motor, I use a KBIC D/C motor controller circuit board mounted in a ventilated wooden box. Primarily, this test stand will be used to test axial flux alternators, like the one used in the Pico Turbine Kit. These are alternators where the rotor is made up of a steel disk with magnets mounted on one side of it, which is facing another disk that contains the coils (stator). As the rotor (magnets) spin, an A/C current is induced in the coils. I also use a Radio Shack multimeter for electrical measurements (little yellow box). |
(2-18-02)
My first alternator will be for a small Savonius rotor (like the Pico Turbine Kit) using a 7 or 10 inch diameter saw blade for the rotor -- yes, with the teeth ground off. In this photo, a 7 inch alternator is in the bottom of the test stand. |
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Check out OtherPower.com for information, products, and a good discussion forum for folks who make their own power at home. This includes solar, wind and hydro, with tons of experiments, photos etc. It's a great site! Check out Forcefield / WonderMagnet.com for supplies of surplus Rare Earth Neodymium magnets at great prices, magnet information, related products and a discussion forum. |
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