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Otherpower.com
Solar, hydro, and fossil
fuel sources give smooth
and steady energy, so
efficient generators for
them are easy to design.
The wind varies wildly
and unpredictably, with
an exponential power
curve.
Power available in the
wind (in watts) =
½ x air density x swept
area x wind speed³
(kg/m³, m², m/s)
Copyright 2008 by Otherpower.com
Wind quantity and quality are
both important
Most winds come to us at low
speeds
Tall towers are essential—you
wouldn't mount a solar panel
in the shade!
Turbulence is also a problem
Copyright 2008 by Otherpower.com
1kw VAWT
VAWTs cannot be yawed out of the
wind to control them
VAWTs are not more quiet than
HAWTs, nor are they safer for birds
VAWTs do NOT perform better near
the ground, on turbulent sites, or in
low winds, than HAWTs—despite
the advertising hype
Copyright 2008 by Otherpower.com
Furling Systems
Wind turbines must cope
with an exponential
increase in power from the
wind to survive
Alternators react to power
input on a mostly linear
curve
Matching the turbine rotor
to the alternator is critical
Reducing the swept area is
the best way to regulate
small wind turbine output
The most reliable, elegant,
easy to fabricate, and
effective solution is the
furling tail
Copyright 2008 by Otherpower.com
Frame Fabrication
Flat steel parts can be cut
with torch or hacksaw
Strong welding is
absolutely essential
Standard trailer bearings
are available worldwide
Copyright 2008 by Otherpower.com
Stator Fabrication
The stator
must be a
solid resin
casting
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Again, a
strong
casting is
needed
Copyright 2008 by Otherpower.com
Blade Carving
Wood--the original
carbon-graphite
composite!
The main
advantage of
fiberglass is in
mass production
Copyright 2008 by Otherpower.com
Towers
Towers must be both
tall and sturdy
Turbines must fly 30
feet above anything
within 300 feet in any
direction
Tower cost and time
to build it is at least
equal to that of the
turbine itself
Climb or tilt up—
depends on your skill
set and training
Copyright 2008 by Otherpower.com
Regular Maintenance
A regular, yearly maintenance schedule
is essential with ALL wind turbines, not
just homebrew ones.
Maintenance training is critical with
inexperienced turbine owners
Climate affects the maintenance
schedule of turbines and towers
tremendously
Attention to detail is critical!
Windpower Workshop
by Hugh Piggott
Axial Flux Wind
Turbine Plans by
Hugh Piggott
Homebrew Wind
Power by us
Copyright 2008 by Otherpower.com
- Cost effective
- Reliable
- Silent
- Easy to live with
- Fun!