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Step up transformer question
By phil b, Section Homebrewed Electricity Posted on Fri Mar 5th, 2004 at 08:09:12 AM MST
Step up transformers

I have several power supplies that have transformers rated for 120vac, 5 amps, 50/60Hz. They are made to step the voltage down from 120 vac to 24, 12 and 5 volts. Can I hook a phase of my wind generator's output to the 24 volt and get 120 volts as long as I don't use more than 5 amps?

Step up transformer question | 7 comments (7 topical, 0 editorial)

Re: Step up transformer question (none / 0) (#1)
by Junkie on Fri Mar 5th, 2004 at 08:49:51 AM MST
(User Info) http://www.reukpower.blogspot.com

Yes but,

The transformer will constantly put a load on you windgenerator no matter what. So it might have trouble starting up.
Your wind generator might not produce a suitable frequency. (trasnformers are most efficient at 50/60Hz)
There is no voltage regulation.... So your 120V output may actually be anywhere from 0V to maybe 200V. Voltage will also drop under load.

Hope this helps.

Re: Step up transformer question (none / 0) (#2)
by RatOmeter on Fri Mar 5th, 2004 at 12:04:39 PM MST
(User Info) http://www.rato.us

In general, yes. That's something to watch out for when using transformers any time they might accidentally get back-fed.

As was mentioned above, the input frequency and regulation could be a problem, but its not strictly true that they are most efficient at 50/60Hz... kinda depends their design application. Some are used at 400Hz, but then the are designed for it.

Others here have talked about using transformers to boost the AC so can be rectified at a DC level suitable for charging in low speed/wind conditions.

-RatOmeter

Re: Step up transformer question (none / 0) (#3)
by phil b (philb7369at-no-more spam-yahoo.com) on Fri Mar 5th, 2004 at 12:42:10 PM MST
(User Info)

I'm attempting to step up the voltage and sent it about 2000 feet to where it will be used. I'm putting my wind generator on a hill that's 75 feet higher than my house - with no trees for 1500 feet.
The power companies use high voltage with 2 smallesh wires seperated to carry electricity long distances. I understand the air between them also carries elactricity. Is this a possible solution that the wind folks can also do?
And Thanks! for the comments!

[ Parent ]

Re: Step up transformer question (none / 0) (#4)
by RobD on Fri Mar 5th, 2004 at 05:01:53 PM MST
(User Info) http://www.dsgnspec.com

OK, The way to do this is use a transformer at each end. One to boost it and one to drop it.
Like someone said you'll have a load from the transformer especially when it starts and also losses from both units.
RobD

Re: Step up transformer question (none / 0) (#5)
by Victor on Fri Mar 5th, 2004 at 05:35:32 PM MST
(User Info)

Hi Rob,

I respectfully disagree with "OK, The way to do this is use a transformer at each end"

Why not wind the wind turbine for the higher voltage and just use ONE step down transformer at the battery end.

Transformers are designed around a volts/ hz (among other things) formula if you wind the wind turbine for 2 or 4 volts/ hz you will be able to use off the shelf transformers ie,120 volt 60hz or 240 volt 60hz

If everything is sized correctly and y connected start up load will be minimal.
Southwest windpower does this with there high voltage Whispers for long wire runs.

Victor Creazzi
Aerofire Windpower

[ Parent ]

Re: Step up transformer question (none / 0) (#6)
by RobD on Fri Mar 5th, 2004 at 08:43:16 PM MST
(User Info) http://www.dsgnspec.com

I thought the mill was already established. Sure wind the mill for high voltage but don't go over 48 volts or you'll run into code problems.
Also the inductive reactance would seem to me to be quite high when the mill starts. I'm personally going to DC to DC inversion.
RobD

Re: Step up transformer question (none / 0) (#7)
by phil b (philb7369at-no-more spam-yahoo.com) on Sat Mar 6th, 2004 at 10:20:21 AM MST
(User Info)

The mill isn't quite complete. I'm in the testing phase now. So I can wind a new stator, if needed. Currently, I have 12 coils of #15 with 90 winds/coil. Dual rotors with 16 neos each. That should kick up the voltage to at least 48 volts if it doesn't fry everything first.
I have a few pics in my photo uploads on this board. Sorry, they are rather large, but do show a lot of detail. I'll post more as testing continues.
If I can't get the juice down the line without substantial voltage drop, I'll use the transformers.
RobD, will you explain the problems with code?

phil b

Step up transformer question | 7 comments (7 topical, 0 editorial)

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