An AC Delco alternator Windmill for wind power generation
Release 2017.12.10-beta ( Pictures Below ) INCOMPLETE PROJECT - Use for experimental only Tested in 40mph winds found that gear slippage and destruction occurs Need to Refactor the design for more stability However, Project has demonstrated the ability to charge @ ~ 20mph winds This includes self-excitement ( Actual power gained )
Current Work INCOMPLETE PROJECT - Use for experimental only Current Work still needs to be built and tested. This is the 5-blade design updated to handle high winds better by moving the alternator to behind the post and creating a 5-Gear system in which the miter gears will transfer to straight gears appropriately. This also creates a 20:1 Ratio versus Version 2017.12.10-beta which created a 15:1 Ration.
- Takes 18-mph winds to barely start charging the battery
- Which doesn't take into account the ( 4V @ 0.85A = 3.4W ) Idle waste
- Can also run ( 3.7Vdc @ 0.62A = 2.294W )
In order to be efficient an Arduino ( Micro-controller ) must be used to adjust the alternators excitement level on the fly. This was accomplished by designing a custom circuit detailed in the 'AltRegulator' folder. The folder includes the Arduino Sketch last used to control excitement as well as KiCad design files. The board was designed with the LinkSprite T8 CNC router using trace isolation.
- Link to [http:https://www.linksprite.com/wiki/index.php5?title=DIY_CNC_3_Axis_Engraver_Machine_PCB_Milling_Wood_Carving_Router_Kit_Arduino_Grbl]( CNC used. )
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(1) Free 12Vdc AC-Delco Auto Alternator [ $0 ]
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(10) DIN rail, slotted, 35mm, 10mm height, 1m length, aluminum [ $36.00 ]
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(1) Double 5" x 144" Beige Vinyl Lap Siding [ $7.95 ]
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Double-5-in-x-144-in-Beige-Vinyl-Lap-Siding-PC50NBH/302174965
- 14 AWG Wire; Enough for Excitement ( pole 1 ) and Regulator ( pole 2 )
- 10 AWG Wire; Alternator ( Batt. ) to Batterry
- 40 Amp Diode?
- (2) Female Solderless Connectors for Alternator ( pole 1 & pole 2 )
- (2) O-Ring Solderless Connectors for Alternator ( Batt. & Ground )
- Incomplete list; check back later
- (1) 5/16" x 5" Coarse Bolt Hub-Mount Cross Bolt
- (1) 5/16" x 2" Bolt For Hub Center
- (2) 5/16" Nuts For Double Nuts on Hub Bolt
- (1) 5/16" x ?" Bolt For Alternator Top Mount ( Alt Threaded Hole )
- (1) 3/8" x ?" Bolt For Alternator Bottom Mount
- (1) 3/8" Nut For Alternator Bottom Mount
- (4) #10-24 x 2" Screws For 4-Rail Gears ( 9.1x Step Up )
- (8) #10 Nuts For Double nuts on each Gear screw
- (8) #10 x 3/4" Wide Washers For each side of Rail Gears
- (9) #10-24 x 1/2" Screws For Vinyl Siding to DIN / 3-per-blade
- (9) #10 Standard Washers For Vinyl Siding to DIN / 3-per-blade
- (9) #10 Nuts For Vinyl Siding to DIN / 3-per-blade
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Wrench Sizes
- Phillips Head Screwdriver for #10 Screws
- 3/8" for #10 Machine Screws
- 1/2" for Hub, Alt Top Mount
- 9/16" for Alt Bottom Mount
- 15/16" for Alt Center Bolt
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Drill Bits
- Drill bit for Top Alternator Bolt hole size 5/16" bolt
- Alternator excitement
- Pole #1 closest to Batt. is Excitement Source
- Pole #2 Turns ON/OFF Pole #1 Excitement at ~15Vdc and under
- Pole #2 Isn't linear ( i.e. doesn't apply more excitement as voltage goes down )
- Pole #1 @ 2.8Vdc, 0.35A = 0.98W but isn't strong enough to build voltage
- Pole #1 @ 4.5Vdc, 1.24A = 5.58W is IDEAL for 9x gear-up
- Pole #1 @ 10.7Vdc, 2.60A = 27.82W
- Pole #1 @ 14.2Vdc, 3.50A = 49.7W
- Wiring
- Use diodes to route alternator Batt. back into Pole #1 ( excitement )
- Use diodes to ensure Batt. feeds battery only when charge levels
- Startup feed of 4.5Vdc diode into Pole #1
- Using above, when wind increases excitement increases till battery can charge
- Need a Wind kick in start ( DC-DC Buck on battery w/Arduino turn on? )