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generator mount design request
By basicbill, Section Homebrewed Electricity Posted on Sun May 30, 2004 at 05:55:57 PM MST
looking for advice

Hi, I'm looking for advice on mounting my pm generator. It is a 1/2 hp 90 volt pm type motor. It is heavy at 25 pounds. I am going to try it out with a quad set of aluminum blades. I would like to know if there are any plans available for a simple mounting device. My mounting pole will be 3" for 15 feet then reduced to 1 1/2" for additional 10 feet.
I also would like to know if the group recommends some governing (furling?) on this gen. I have found out from government sources that maximum expected winds are around 50 to 60 mph.
Thanks for any help/plans.
Bill W.

generator mount design request | 11 comments (11 topical)

Re: generator mount design request (none / 0) (#1)
by billf on Sun May 30, 2004 at 06:53:11 PM MST

I would try to include some sort of furling/governing device. Mount the motor offset from the center of the tower. Probably mounting it to the side of the tower will give you a couple if inches offset. You can then try to make some sort of furling tail. Fifty to sixty mph winds is a lot of wind.

This is a shot of mine furling. Hope it gives you an idea of what you can try.
billf

Re: generator mount design request (none / 0) (#2)
by devoncloud on Sun May 30, 2004 at 08:22:57 PM MST

First, mounting to your pole so that the gen can turn into the wind is what you need to look at first. If your pole ins 1&1/2 inch, then a larger pipe that barely fits over your pole pipe is needed (much like two tent poles, except greased so that your generator can pivot into the wind). On this pipe, (i guess a 2" one), weld some rebars at a 90 degree angle and long enough to reach past the middle of your generator. This will serve two purposes. It will allow you to attach your generator to the pole, but it will also offset your generator to the side so that you can make a furling devise. It is also a good idea to mount your generator facing up just a hare (like three degrees or something). This is so that your blades do not bend in strong winds and strike your pole.

You will need a furling system on your generator. It only takes a few minutes of too much wind to fry your stator. I have never heard of a place on earth that did not on occasion have some severely high winds for a short period of time.

Devon

Re: generator mount design request (none / 0) (#3)
by wpowokal on Mon May 31, 2004 at 05:55:24 AM MST

Try searching Hugh's site he generously provides some free info on such systems.
http://homepages.enterprise.net/hugh0piggott/

"Dream as if you'll live forever, live as if you'll die today." James Dean

Re: generator mount design request (none / 0) (#4)
by basicbill on Mon May 31, 2004 at 05:07:36 PM MST

Hi,
Thanks for the comments. I think I'm understanding more each day. I think that a furling device would be a good idea. This is a basic mounting technique from the guy I bought the blades from. Is it easily adapted to a furling method? Some methods I've seen on this site are pretty elaborate. Would angling the tail piece away from the straight line be an effective furling method? I've seen lots of pix with the tail angled away. If so, how much? Considering that the end to end length of the longest piece is 6 feet (I could make it longer, if required), where would such a bend be made? Would offsetting the gen itself, be a good idea? I like the square tubing idea; it is easy for a beginner to work with and I can fab it up for my welder. Also, I think I'll double strap the motor for security.
I think mounting the gen up 3 degrees is a good idea for blade protection as well.

Thanks for any and all ideas,
Bill W.

btw, full credit to tlgwindpower for the picture

[ Parent ]

Re: generator mount design request (none / 0) (#5)
by Jerry on Mon May 31, 2004 at 05:31:06 PM MST

Hi Bill

Here,s a few pictures. They don't have a furling system but with these bearings the gennies turn into the wind with the slightest wind.

I'll see my gennies turn into the wind when theres not enough wind to turn the blades and the blades start turning around 3 mph.

A tilt back furling couyld be easly added to these yaw platform.

JK TAS Jerry

Airheads Page

[ Parent ]

Re: generator mount design request (none / 0) (#6)
by Jerry on Mon May 31, 2004 at 05:33:52 PM MST

Whoops first 2 didn't work. I'll try again?

JK TAS Jerry

Airheads Page

[ Parent ]

Re: generator mount design request (none / 0) (#7)
by Jerry on Mon May 31, 2004 at 05:35:43 PM MST

JK TAS Jerry

Airheads Page

[ Parent ]

Re: generator mount design request (none / 0) (#8)
by Jerry on Mon May 31, 2004 at 05:41:27 PM MST

OH and BTW an 1.5 EMT conduit or 1.25 sch. 40 pipe fits these bearings just right.

There are allen set screws on the bearing that keep it locked to the pipe.

I've had a pipe over pipe type bearing lift up and the genny came up and off the mast. This system yaws so much easyer and it can't come off.

JK TAS Jerry

Airheads Page

[ Parent ]

Re: generator mount design request (none / 0) (#9)
by basicbill on Mon May 31, 2004 at 08:21:36 PM MST

Hi Jerry,
Very nice system. I always wondered if gravity was enough to hold the genny down. That is a very nice bearing mount system. This brings three more questions to mind. First, what bearing # are you using? Where did you get the bearing holder? And finally, what type are the genny mounts?
Oh also, what size of genny are you supporting with that?

Sorry for all the questions but you're dealing with a real newbie.

TIA,
Bill W.

[ Parent ]

Re: generator mount design request (none / 0) (#10)
by Jerry on Mon May 31, 2004 at 11:04:51 PM MST

Hi Bill

The big sqaure bearing is a flange bearing? The local bearing shop sells the cheap Chineez version for around $30. One problem with the flange bearing is that it can pivot in its housing. This is why I use a real thick mounting base with this type bearing. I make a hole in the mounting base the same ID as the bearing. I alow the mast to protrude through the bearing into the base. The hole in the base keeps the bearing and mast aligned. I greese the hole very generusly with copper never size.

The other bearing is the same size and its just a bearing only. About $25 for this one. It has a snap ring that actes like a stop. I use Choice Deck its a plastic wood compision material that is impurvius to weather.

I make a hole in it the OD of the bearing. I make an aluminum plate that holds the bearing in place.
I use large mufler claps (5" or 6") from Napa ($10 each). These cradle the motor.

I've used this system for tape drive motors, tredmill motors, AC induction motors from 1/4 hp to 2 hp.

I've never made a furling system for my gennies. 4 years flying 16 gennies and no failiers.

I've tested my blades to 68 mph with out a problem. We do see an ocasional winter storm with some 50, 60 mph winds. This happens once or twice a year.

JK TAS Jerry

Airheads Page

[ Parent ]

Re: generator mount design request (none / 0) (#11)
by basicbill on Tue Jun 01, 2004 at 09:58:36 AM MST

Hi Jerry,
That is exactly the info I needed. Thanks. I think I may try to incorporate some of your design ideas in my install. I'll post my results once I'm up and running with some pics.
I'm already looking forward to building my own pm alternator for higher output but I'm going to get this one flying first.

Thanks again to all who responded.

Bill W.

[ Parent ]

generator mount design request | 11 comments (11 topical)

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