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My new kit windmill site
By gizmo, Section Homebrewed Electricity Posted on Fri Apr 9th, 2004 at 06:34:30 AM MST
Radial windmill kit based on the Fisher & Paykel smart drive motor

Hi All
I've put together a windmill web site based on a windmill I've been working on for the last few months. The windmill uses the Fisher & Paykel smart drive motor and output power is approx 300 watts. I've designed the windmill as a short-form kit that will be sold through my employer, Swift Engineering, Australia. Prices are still to be finalised but we are looking at approx $300AU for the basic kit, plus parts you supply from your junk box.
At this stage I need some feedback. Please have a look at the web site and windmill design, and let me know what you think. Address is http://www.thebackshed.com/windmill
Thanks
Glenn Littleford

My new kit windmill site | 11 comments (11 topical, 0 editorial)

Re: My new kit windmill site (none / 0) (#1)
by RobD on Fri Apr 9th, 2004 at 06:48:29 AM MST
(User Info) http://www.dsgnspec.com

Hi Glenn,
Nice web site. I like the pull up tower.
Good luck with your kits.
RobD

Re: My new kit windmill site (none / 0) (#2)
by Parameter on Fri Apr 9th, 2004 at 07:56:04 AM MST
(User Info) http://pages.infinit.net/gebet

That's a pretty nice site you made there. I like the technical clarity. What I would like to see is if the smart-drive is available in north america, europe etc and what would be suitable alternative. Also, are there any power curve and specs for yours mill experiments? That smard-drive mill is quite impressive.

Para

Re: My new kit windmill site (none / 0) (#5)
by gizmo on Fri Apr 9th, 2004 at 05:50:09 PM MST
(User Info) http://www.thebackshed.com

Hi Para

Check out http://homepages.paradise.net.nz/ecoinn/Downloads/smartdrive.pdf

This guy has drawn up some power curves and uses the smartdrive motors as water generators. Very neat design.

Fisher & Paykel are a New Zeland company and very inovative. Their white goods are exported all over the world, very common in Oz, so should be available in the US and Europe. Might need to look around a bit.

Glenn

[ Parent ]

Re: My new kit windmill site (none / 0) (#8)
by Gordy on Fri Apr 9th, 2004 at 10:36:37 PM MST
(User Info)

Glenn,

What are the brand names of the apliances the Fisher & Paykel motors are used in. So I know where to look.

Thanks,
Gordy

[ Parent ]

Re: My new kit windmill site (3.00 / 0) (#11)
by domwild (domwild at hotmail dot com) on Sat Aug 28th, 2004 at 01:52:25 AM MST
(User Info)

The dead ones in New Zealand and Oz are simply called F&P Smartdrive washing machines. I do not know if the present models are still the same as the about 10 year old ones. They come in various sizes, I just missed out on a free 7 kilo one, I picked one up from a rubbish tip, a 5.5 kilo model.

LG has just been sued by Fisher & Pykel, it may have something to do with the similar electronics. The motors do not burn, it is the electronics which burn out despite a water cooled pipe which clamps the diodes. Customers then baulk at having to pay for the entire electronic board.

Dominic Wild
Perth, WA

dom We only ever use the best fencing wire for our repairs!
[ Parent ]

Re: My new kit windmill site (none / 0) (#3)
by franknbuger on Fri Apr 9th, 2004 at 08:02:00 AM MST
(User Info)

Hello.
The web site overall is well done easy to navigate, however!!!
You asked for feedback,this comment is meant to help... In the "windmill kits" page, did you want it to say (or ever free) but rather (or even free)?
This is just my opinion but the price you are asking looks to be way high.I think people willing to get dirty and scrounge materials are kind of broke to begin with.Also there is so much free info on the web ??? I know you worked hard and I dont mean any disrespect to you,these are only my thoughts.
Frankenbuger

costs (none / 0) (#4)
by wdyasq on Fri Apr 9th, 2004 at 08:58:02 AM MST
(User Info)

I think his projected prices are well within reason. I know the time it would take to "engineer" and build - take down, retest, take down, retest (repeat until frustrated or you quit) would make the kit plans and parts a bargain - even in US dollars.

The problem here is finding the "F&P Motors". I haven't even touched a picture of one.

Good luck with your project Gene. And may you make a profit and stay in business. Perhaps it will be so successful you will need employees......

Ron
Adventure is just bad planning." -- Roald Amundsen
[ Parent ]

Re: My new kit windmill site (none / 0) (#6)
by gizmo on Fri Apr 9th, 2004 at 05:57:46 PM MST
(User Info) http://www.thebackshed.com

Hi Frankenburger

Better fix that typo, its meant to be "even"

The windmill kit parts are laser cut on the 5kw laser we have at work. All up there is about 30 minutes of cutting, plus handling and material costs. The price still needs to be finalised. Lasercutting means that the parts are accurate and will fit together first time.

The Australian dollar is about 70 cents US, so the kits would be around $200-$250.

Glenn

[ Parent ]

Re: My new kit windmill site (none / 0) (#7)
by drdongle (Dr.Dongle1@juno.com) on Fri Apr 9th, 2004 at 08:59:29 PM MST
(User Info)

Nice presintation, I have a client with a F&P washer, so they are sold in the US. though I think there so new here that there will be few available for salvage.

Dr.D
Carpe Vigor, Dr.D

Re: My new kit windmill site (none / 0) (#9)
by BruceDownunder (brucedownunder@hibis.wbs.net.au) on Sat Apr 10th, 2004 at 11:04:56 AM MST
(User Info)

Regarding the sourcing of these motors-- F&P started making them ,but "LG" now is using them ,but because they are quite new in their machines (Washing), they would not yet be on the "throwout" items at your repair shop .

But --they are not too expensive to purchase as "spare parts" . Maybe ,if you are interested you can see if you can get these motors from LG outlets.

(I haven't yet handled one ,but a repair man I know says they are very similar to F&P motors--maybe they are better??-,as they are newer technology !.
The stators are approx 11 inches diameter-so a very good start for low rpm generators if you can modify the rotor to accomodate Neo magnets ? .

Bruce

Re: My new kit windmill site (none / 0) (#10)
by gibsonfvse on Thu May 20th, 2004 at 03:30:02 PM MST
(User Info)

Your website is beautiful, and packed with information. Keep up the great work, and the great site!

My new kit windmill site | 11 comments (11 topical, 0 editorial)

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