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Wind power air compressor?
By Farmer, Section Wind Posted on Sat Oct 23rd, 2004 at 01:15:33 AM MST
Has anyone built a wind powered air compressor?? Should this be here or remote living?

There are many tools that can be run on compressed air. Many of the Amish use compressed air for kitchen appliances, fans, shop tools etc...
A no longer certified propane tank makes a great air tank with large capacity.
Why not make a windmill that powers an air compressor? By storing compressed air I could reduce the size of the battery bank I need. Air tanks have a far longer service life than batteries and cost much less to purchase. Used tanks can be acquired for next to nothing.
I suppose that to obtain the higher pressures a reduction system would need to be used to obtain enough torque to drive the compressor. But what if a sail type windmill similar to the dutch pump mills was used. I imagine those huge sails generate incredible torque.
A small mill that only generates up to 30psi intended for aeration of a pond.
http://www.malibuwater.com/oAirCompressor.html
Air lift pump for pumping from wells, no data on psi generated.
http://www.realgoods.com/renew/shop/product.cfm?dp=1900&ts=3041712
I suppose another option is to use the wind to make electricity and power an electric compressor directly without running through a battery bank.
I cannot find any more material on google, perhaps I don't know the proper search terms.
I want an wind powered air compressor which will produce 125psi or more.

Wind power air compressor? | 25 comments (25 topical, 0 editorial)

Re: Wind power air compressor? (3.00 / 0) (#1)
by stop4stuff on Sat Oct 23rd, 2004 at 04:06:14 AM MST
(User Info) http://www.stop4stuff.com

Hi Farmer,

If you are a capable person, an auto engine can be converted to compress air.
125psi works out to be 8.3:1 compression ratio... most auto engines are 7:1 - 9:1 for petrol and 13:1 for diesel.

I've seen on UK tv a 2 cylinder motorbike engine used as an air compressor running off hydro... if i find any info, i'll add it on.

Do you have an idea of the amount of air you want at 125 psi?

The biggest hurdle I can forsee is the size of the blades to provide the quantity of air you require, as you'd need quite high torque to get the compressor going.

Also, compressing air is expensive in terms of energy used to compress air, and there is alot of energy wasted as heat from the compressor... an oportunity for co-generation?

paul

Re: Wind power air compressor? (3.00 / 0) (#2)
by Norm (peppysue@suite224.net) on Sat Oct 23rd, 2004 at 07:00:51 AM MST
(User Info)

Use an unloader valve...the compressor turns constantly a lever holds the intake valve open until the pre-determined pressure in the tank drops the intake valve is allowed to close and the compressor pumps air until the pressure is reached.
Air is not the best way to store energy...however if you used air tools it would be nice to have a dual system run by a wind driven compressor with a large flywheel the flywheel turns at a constant speed ...if the wind isn't providing the energy the battery powered DC motor takes over...when there is enough wind and you don't need any air for the moment the flywheel would charge the battery.
( :>) Norm.
( :>) Norm

Re: Wind power air compressor? (3.00 / 0) (#3)
by K3CZ on Sat Oct 23rd, 2004 at 07:15:59 AM MST
(User Info)

Actually, this is old art - I have seen a local Amish setup that used a 16' waterpump type windmill(has the high torque necessary for the compressor) running a good sized air compressor (via power coupling that, unfortunately, I have no record of). He used a railroad tank car (!) as an air tank reservoir, and ran everything on a regular sized dairy farm in Lancaster Co. with the system, with a diesel compressor backup. Therefore, such a system can be made to work, altho there must be limitations.
K3CZ

Re: Wind power air compressor? (3.00 / 0) (#4)
by Farmer on Sat Oct 23rd, 2004 at 10:43:25 AM MST
(User Info)

K3CZ,

You said a 16' windmill is that the diameter of the blades or the height of the tower?

Is that system in Lancaster, PA if I get out that way in the near future I'll look up the fellow and talk with him.

My primary use for the air will be shop tools. If I have surplus air I would use it for other things too.

[ Parent ]

Re: Wind power air compressor? (3.00 / 0) (#5)
by K3CZ on Sat Oct 23rd, 2004 at 12:45:38 PM MST
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Farmer; I'm afraid my data is somewhat out of date - The farm was having a sell-out auction, and it was at least ten years ago before I was into alternate energy, so I doubt if the installation is running today. Also, I haven't the foggiest idea where in Lancaster Co. it was, and as you probably know, most Amish farms have a strong resemblance to each other. I do have contact (no phone, tho) with a good Amish horse farmer friend with lots of contacts who might be able to put you on the trail to that or a similar installation.
K3CZ

[ Parent ]

Re: Wind power air compressor? (3.00 / 0) (#6)
by Farmer on Sat Oct 23rd, 2004 at 02:35:52 PM MST
(User Info)

Thanks for the offer. I think that I will just pursue some more local leads. I am in northern Indiana and while I do occasionally find my way to Lancaster it isn't that often.

[ Parent ]

Re: Wind power air compressor? (3.00 / 0) (#12)
by blackbear on Thu Sep 13th, 2007 at 11:12:49 AM MST
(User Info)

just browsing the board and found this - I have just joined the board and can't seem to find a way of PM'ing K3CZ. I'm travelling across the US & planning to visit some Amish communities to see how they use compressed air, I am part of a community in the UK setting up a sustainable living centre, and want to build some wind pumps generating compressed air.
I already use compressed air in the workshop but would like to develop it further.

Does anyone have useful contacts for Amish communities in Lancaster Co they'd be willing to share?

Thanks in advance

[ Parent ]

Re: Wind power air compressor? (3.00 / 0) (#13)
by ghurd on Thu Sep 13th, 2007 at 12:52:12 PM MST
(User Info)

The vast majority use a 3 or 4 cyl diesel compressor and 1000 to 3600 gallon air tanks.
They use it like anybody uses air, mostly tools.

The only 'unusual' item I can think of is the air powered well pump. Someone living alone may have a 8HP Gasoline Honda compressor and 500 gallon air tank, primarily for the well pump.

Lancaster Amish tend to be a little different than most other areas. I believe you will be disappointed if you only travel to Lancaster. You may find more of what you are looking for in Western Pennsylvania, Ohio, or Indiana. Not sure what you expect to see.
I am in NE Ohio.
G-

[ Parent ]

Re: Wind power air compressor? (3.00 / 0) (#14)
by ghurd on Thu Sep 13th, 2007 at 03:11:57 PM MST
(User Info)

Also, K3CZ has not done anything on this board for almost a year, and this is a 3 year old story.
It may help if someone with the information you seek has your contact information.
G-

[ Parent ]

Re: Wind power air compressor? (3.00 / 0) (#7)
by John II (jjones2(at)inetvisions.net) on Sat Oct 23rd, 2004 at 02:42:29 PM MST
(User Info)

Some Air Pumping windmills that ( I think ) are capable of fairly high pressures.

http://www.cisolar.com/CatWindPump.htm

http://www.airliftech.com/

John II

Re: Wind power air compressor? (3.00 / 0) (#8)
by ghurd on Wed Oct 27th, 2004 at 09:02:47 AM MST
(User Info)

How about a 2-stroke, maybe from a little dirt bike?
Put a 1 way valve where the spark plug was.
Oiling could be a problem.
Just seems it would be small enough to get some good pressure from the wind.

Re: Wind power air compressor? (3.00 / 0) (#9)
by CG on Thu Nov 25th, 2004 at 03:53:37 AM MST
(User Info)

On the matter of using a car engine to compress the air, could the engine also be used a a water heater? Wind turbines have been marketed to churn fluids to generate heat by friction. The compression of air also creates heat, and the engines cooling system could transfer this heat to a storage tank. It may not be the most effecient way of using wind power to heat water, but we dump millions of car engines each year and it would be nice to get a bit more use from them. I think it's about 30% of the energy use to compress the air goes in heat - and that's in an effient compressor.

Sorry this comments a bit late but I have only just discovered and joined the group.

Re: Wind power air compressor? (3.00 / 0) (#10)
by Amptramp on Fri Nov 25th, 2005 at 04:16:36 PM MST
(User Info) http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Amptramp

Intrigued by this method of energy storage, I have been building an air compressor/wind turbine system.

My tower stands 30 feet tall, and has a rotor of 20 feet diameter.
The rotor operates at 60 to 90 RPM, and readily generates 2000 watts of power.

At the bottom of the tower, is a machine room that houses the compressor.
This comprises a 1300CC motor car engine, with its timing gear removed.
The engine is fitted with two sets of one way valves in the spark plug ports.
Modified spark plugs allow me to connect all manner of fittings to the compression chambers, so this makes for easy modifications.
The compression ratio of this engine is unknown, but I suspect that it is a little higher than I'd like. To lower this figure, I can use short lengths of tube between the spark plug ports and the one way valves.
That ought to make for a system that can't deliver dangerously high pressures?

At this time, I have yet to complete the compressor part of this project. My intention is to turn the engine at quite a low speed, approx 100RPM.

At this low speed, rotor torque requirements will be reduced, so it will have an easier time of turning the engine.
In addition to the engine, there is an electric clutch system. This slowly engages the engine to the turbine through a modified clutch plate. Control for this is to be managed by pressure sensors in the air storage tanks.
The electric clutch offers another useful advantage, it lets me isolate the engine from the turbine so I may still get electricity in low winds.

It remains to be seen if the engine will still be correctly lubricated, or if it will be inclined to heat up.

Once completed and working, my air tools will have plenty of power to enjoy :) .

Fingers crossed for good results.

Best wishes,
Steve McAmptramp

"There's a patch of land over there, Quick! - stick a windmill on it!"
[ Parent ]

Re: Wind power air compressor? (3.00 / 0) (#11)
by kays2002 on Sat Apr 1st, 2006 at 03:52:51 AM MST
(User Info)

Gas turbines use compressors to mix compressed air with the fuel to burn. By replaceing the coventional wind turbine with a micro hydro turbine, the compressed air can be used without the need of storing it. Can Turbo chargers be used to get compresed air?

Re: Wind power air compressor? (3.00 / 0) (#15)
by spinningmagnets (velmis1450bc(at)aol(dot)com) on Thu Sep 13th, 2007 at 08:13:42 PM MST
(User Info)

I always encourage "thinking outside the box", and I don't want to sound as though I am discourageing any experimentation, but..

A turbocharger would have to spin many thousands of RPM's to get any appreciable compression. I doubt that this would prove to be a useful route (and I'm a fan of turbo's).

I recall an adapter that allowed a motorcycle enthusiast to use the electric starter to spin the engine and get air pressure through the spark plug hole of one of the cylinders to fill an air mattress when camping, so this line of logic is "do-able".

I also recall that the firing order of a Ford 302 allowed one bank to operate as a smooth firing 4-cylinder, while the other bank of the engine functioned as a 4-cyl air compressor.

http://www.southern-tool.com/store/grimm-schmidt_gas_compressors.html http://www.ytmag.com/toolt/messages/143175.html

There is also a kit that involves a custom cam, and several other adapters that converted a VW air-cooled 4-cylinder bug engine so that two cylinders functioned as an engine, and two of the cylinders acted as an air compressor.

http://www.angelfire.com/biz/dunnright/DR3.html

I am a fan of efficiency, but efficiency is a relative term, in that, if the wind/water is free, then, if an IN-efficient device made from free junk can perform a job that you need...start out in-efficient and work your way up as time and money allow.

"If at first you don't succeed...you probably shouldn't try skydiving."
-Henry Youngman.

[ Parent ]

Re: Wind power air compressor? (3.00 / 0) (#16)
by dayton on Sun Jul 27th, 2008 at 01:49:58 AM MST
(User Info)

I know this is an old thread, but it really caught my eye. Farmer, any updates?

How about using an automotive A/C compressor to compress air? They are all over the junkyards, and they include a clutch so you could have a bunch connected and only turn on the ones you need.

Dayton

Re: Wind power air compressor? (3.00 / 0) (#17)
by ghurd on Sun Jul 27th, 2008 at 07:39:17 AM MST
(User Info)

Most automotive A/C compressors cycle the oil out and back.
Soon all the compressor's oil would be in the air tank.

However, some old York compressors have the oil seperate from the air.
Mid to late 70's US Fords, AMCs, Volvos (funny).

A google of 'York compressor Jeep' should give plenty of hits.
Jeep guys use them as air compressors.

My idea is to run a fridge compressor (~80W at 1/2CFM?) as a pre-dump load with a 3 minute minimum timer. Quiet, simple, and a long life.
My compressor supply dried up at the worst possible time.
G-

[ Parent ]

Re: Wind power air compressor? (3.00 / 0) (#18)
by Tritium on Sun Jul 27th, 2008 at 06:22:14 PM MST
(User Info)

"Most automotive A/C compressors cycle the oil out and back."

Easily taken care of with an oil separator:

http://www.made-in-china.com/showroom/cn-rsp/product-detailCeunKqEJYgkD/China-Oil-Separators-with-St ore.html

Thurmond

[ Parent ]

Re: Wind power air compressor? (3.00 / 0) (#19)
by ghurd on Sun Jul 27th, 2008 at 07:54:44 PM MST
(User Info)

Oil in the air tank is not a major problem.
A compressor without oil is a major problem.
G-

[ Parent ]

Re: Wind power air compressor? (3.00 / 0) (#20)
by Tritium on Sun Jul 27th, 2008 at 09:14:43 PM MST
(User Info)

A refrigerant oil separator returns oil to the compressor crankcase.

Thurmond

[ Parent ]

Re: Wind power air compressor? (3.00 / 0) (#21)
by ghurd on Mon Jul 28th, 2008 at 06:14:35 AM MST
(User Info)

THAT's what I have been looking for.
Not sure I get it. The oil is returned to the unit with a manually operated valve?
The prices are frightening.
G-

[ Parent ]

Re: Wind power air compressor? (3.00 / 0) (#22)
by Tritium on Mon Jul 28th, 2008 at 06:46:09 AM MST
(User Info)

Let me look it up in my refrigeration textbook. I know we built them from copper pipe and a few valves in refrigeration school because the commercial ones were too expensive. I may have a time finding my textbook since it has not been unpacked since my last move.

Thurmond

[ Parent ]

Re: Wind power air compressor? (3.00 / 0) (#23)
by ghurd on Mon Jul 28th, 2008 at 07:14:27 AM MST
(User Info)

I have a couple questions, if you have time and don't mind...
ghurd1 at yahoo,com

[ Parent ]

Re: Wind power air compressor? (3.00 / 0) (#24)
by Tritium on Mon Jul 28th, 2008 at 07:49:03 AM MST
(User Info)

ghurd,

Sent you an e-mail.

Thurmond

[ Parent ]

Re: Wind power air compressor? (3.00 / 0) (#25)
by Farmer on Mon Sep 1st, 2008 at 12:27:51 AM MST
(User Info)

dayton,

You asked for an update.

I am not using compressed air in any significant way, and am not planning to do so at this time.

Our family has been living off the grid for just over 3 years now. We have 3 small solar panels and a battery bank of 4 T-105s that are wired for 12V. When we need more power I have a Changfa powered generator that I built, I got real tired of using high rpm gasoline generators and went all out on this generator. I have it installed in an enclosed trailer along with my welding equipment which allows me to do portable welding work. I hope to build a listeroid generator in the near future which will become the primary generator and relegate the noisy changfa to backup/portable duty.

Details on the generator can be found at http://stuffformyfriends.blogspot.com/2008_04_01_archive.html just scroll down a bit.

The solar panels provide more than enough power for everything except our Hughesnet satellite internet system and the washing machine. So when we run the generator to power the washer we also charge the battery bank to replace the power used by the satellite connection.

[ Parent ]

Wind power air compressor? | 25 comments (25 topical, 0 editorial)

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