Re: Bigger-box VAWT failed so far... (3.00 / 0) (#8) by Norm (peppysue@suite224.net) on Fri Oct 19th, 2007 at 04:07:08 AM MST (User Info)

Damon,     Try something like this...but with 2 trash cans instead of these buckets.( the rims are bolted together).      This bucket savonius is about 20 inches high and 16 inches in diameter, it spins about 200rpm or better in a 10mph wind (no load) and probably has at least 5 times the torque of your box... but I doubt if it could overcome the cogging of your generator....but bigger like a trash can will     ( :>)Norm ( :>) Norm

Re: Bigger-box VAWT failed so far... (3.00 / 0) (#9) by DamonHD (d@hd.org) on Fri Oct 19th, 2007 at 04:11:36 AM MST (User Info) http://www.earth.org.uk/

That looks do-able if I don't run out of garden...  B^> Rgds Damon [ Parent ]

Re: Bigger-box VAWT failed so far... (3.00 / 0) (#10) by disaray1 on Fri Oct 19th, 2007 at 06:58:34 AM MST (User Info)

Norm...you give great advice, I appreciate your posts. Thanks!   Damon...ck this out http://www.google.com/patents?id=7J0rAAAAEBAJ&printsec=abstract&zoom=4#PPA9,M1  Looks alot like your box Sav with a few mods...who knows how well it does, but I found it interesting. A bunch of others here http://www.google.com/patents?id=aN54AAAAEBAJ&dq=savonius  Links compliments of Ed Lenz, Thanks Ed!  David [ Parent ]

Re: Bigger-box VAWT failed so far... (3.00 / 0) (#11) by DamonHD (d@hd.org) on Fri Oct 19th, 2007 at 09:11:36 AM MST (User Info) http://www.earth.org.uk/

Thanks for those! Well, I shall try peeling back the main flats to approximate the deisgn in the first link, and may use the cut-outs or a bottle to make the inner rotor! Rgds Damon [ Parent ]

Re: Bigger-box VAWT failed so far... (3.00 / 0) (#18) by DamonHD (d@hd.org) on Wed Oct 24th, 2007 at 06:30:55 AM MST (User Info) http://www.earth.org.uk/

I've tried pulling flaps inwards, and we have a little wind here today, but still no rotation of the big box even though everything else in sight has spun! Rgds Damon [ Parent ]

Re: Bigger-box VAWT failed so far... (3.00 / 0) (#19) by DamonHD (d@hd.org) on Wed Oct 24th, 2007 at 07:48:10 AM MST (User Info) http://www.earth.org.uk/

Sample pic here: http://gallery.hd.org/_c/mechanoids/_more2007/_more10/turbine-wind-small-VAWT-Benesh-squared-off-pro totype-made-from-large-cardboard-box-on-real-Permanent-Magnet-PM-generator-11-DHD.jpg.html Rgds Damon [ Parent ]

Re: Bigger-box VAWT failed so far... (3.00 / 0) (#20) by Norm (peppysue@suite224.net) on Wed Oct 24th, 2007 at 08:48:57 AM MST (User Info)

I've built your box type and I've built lots of Savonius type out of buckets, plastic cups,and such.... I've come to the conclusion that they work better and are easier to make than boxes.... no need to be good at making curves  when they are already there.   as in #8           ( :>) Norm ( :>) Norm [ Parent ]

Re: Bigger-box VAWT failed so far... (3.00 / 0) (#21) by DamonHD (d@hd.org) on Wed Oct 24th, 2007 at 10:38:37 AM MST (User Info) http://www.earth.org.uk/

Yes, well, I'm definitely up for trying out the dustbin version ASAP: thanks for the pic! Rgds Damon [ Parent ]

Re: Bigger-box VAWT failed so far... (3.00 / 0) (#12) by feral air on Fri Oct 19th, 2007 at 02:40:40 PM MST (User Info)

Norm, I built a Sav. just like that not all that long ago but a bit smaller. I used a pair of those really thin black plastic containers plants come in...it was really flimsy (thicker planters would fix that) and came apart in a big storm but they sure do spin up quick since they don't weigh anything. It was pretty cool watching it destroy itself..that was half the fun. ..it should only take about 10 minutes to make the rotor...good idea. [ Parent ]

Re: Bigger-box VAWT failed so far... (3.00 / 0) (#13) by Norm (peppysue@suite224.net) on Fri Oct 19th, 2007 at 08:58:05 PM MST (User Info)

Ah yes! Then these, Look pretty spinning...I imagine 3 or 4 stack would run an alternator like Ed Lenz's education kit.  Then of course there is the coffee can one...it looked like it would work, was easy to build just coffee cans screwed to a square wood polebut it was a dismal failure....no overlap.          ( :>) Norm ( :>) Norm [ Parent ]

Re: Bigger-box VAWT failed so far... (3.00 / 0) (#14) by disaray1 on Sat Oct 20th, 2007 at 06:12:15 AM MST (User Info)

Thats alot of coffee Norm. Here's my modified wing coffee sav...  I keep changing it's profile to see what happens. Fun!  David [ Parent ]

from cereal boxes to coffee cans ! (3.00 / 0) (#15) by Norm (peppysue@suite224.net) on Sat Oct 20th, 2007 at 07:22:49 AM MST (User Info)

Interesting....do you realize that connected to an alternator like Pico Turbine (except with magnets like Ed uses instead of ceramics) you could be lighting maybe a White led?    How would 4 or 5 stacked on top of each other work?  You've right that is a lot of coffee about 1 can a month...they keep piling up they come in handy...    Is that 2 or 3 blades on yours? You just bend the flaps away from the rest of the cans right?    Guess I'll try that with a plastic Folgers can!    Thanks for the idea and inspiration.              ( :>) Norm ( :>) Norm [ Parent ]

Re: from cereal boxes to coffee cans ! (3.00 / 0) (#16) by disaray1 on Sun Oct 21st, 2007 at 12:56:54 PM MST (User Info)

I get a can about every three months...Doc said 2 cups a day max.  Two blades on this one and a three winger on the bench. The latest profile, "M" shaped..  kinda looks odd but works very well. The next two blade can will have the blades supported in the middle, instead of the trailing edge. Looking for lift.  Still having good, cheap, wholesome and caffeinated fun. :)  David [ Parent ]

Re: from cereal boxes to coffee cans ! (3.00 / 0) (#17) by Norm (peppysue@suite224.net) on Sun Oct 21st, 2007 at 06:17:30 PM MST (User Info)

Yes supported in the middle would be sturdier and slightly smaller diameter it might go faster Have you tried the threaded rod and nut method to see how fast it spins? Once you get a good design and stack enough of them on top of each other you would get enough torque and speed to drive a small stepper motor ....really !             Have Fun !              ( :>) Norm. ( :>) Norm [ Parent ]

Bigger-box VAWT on real PM gen failed so far... | 21 comments (21 topical, 0 editorial)

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