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using Windblue 540 for hydro
By johnelarue, Section Hydro Posted on Tue Jun 30, 2009 at 03:44:56 PM MST
Windblue for hydro anyone?

Anyone using a WindBlue 540 low rpm or similar for hydro?
If you can share some info or sites Id appreciate it, thanks
john

using Windblue 540 for hydro | 9 comments (9 topical)

Re: using Windblue 540 for hydro (3.00 / 0) (#1)
by Curbie on Wed Jul 01, 2009 at 06:55:18 PM MST

Try http://www.homebrewhydro.com the guy that owns the site is named Zachary and he's a real nice, he uses a WindBlue alternator for his hydro, but I not sure it's a model 540?

He has a contact page: http://www.homebrewhydro.com/contact/ shoot him an E-mail.

Have Fun.

Curbie

Re: using Windblue 540 for hydro (3.00 / 0) (#2)
by johnelarue on Thu Jul 16, 2009 at 05:02:16 PM MST

Thanks Curbie,

I ordered the 540 and tested it with a cordless drill, it lit a 100W lamp no problem. I hope to make a bucket hydro typer runner and setup. Hopefully, Zachary can help me out. Thank you very much

John

[ Parent ]

Re: using Windblue 540 for hydro (3.00 / 0) (#3)
by ascii122 on Mon Jul 20, 2009 at 12:11:10 PM MST

cool. My design isn't really the best. If I had it to do again i'd make the shaft shorter for sure, but its good in some other ways. Easy to take apart.

Keep in mind too that the windblue will take a while to break in. Over a period of a month or more of running 24/7 the voltage kept going up -- as it got smoother (less mechanical resistance i suspect).

So you can expect it to get better and better for a period after you make it.

best of luck & thanks for checking out my half-arsed system!

-zachary

[ Parent ]

Re: using Windblue 540 for hydro (3.00 / 0) (#4)
by johnelarue on Tue Jul 21, 2009 at 12:16:52 AM MST

Thanks again for your help,

I have found some new PVC 50mm/2inch pipe. There are two types. VP which is thicker walled. and VU which is thin walled and more flexible, as well as half the price. Of course I'm leaning towards the cheaper stuff. As the head is only 10 meters, pressure shouldn't be a problem.

VP pipe (in Japanese)

http://cart02.lolipop.jp/LA11158856/?mode=ITEM2&p_id=PR00101682699

VU pipe (about 8$ for a 4meter length)

http://cart02.lolipop.jp/LA11158856/?mode=ITEM2&p_id=PR00101682709

Can get about 50 meters for 200USD. This should be able to complete my pipeline. Any recommendations here? I don't think it can be buried, and our winters are fairly mild, usually around 30F. I'm not looking to go off grid here, just to do outdoor lighting and or emergency house use.

John

[ Parent ]

Re: using Windblue 540 for hydro (3.00 / 0) (#5)
by johnelarue on Tue Jul 21, 2009 at 12:44:50 AM MST

Another silly question,

Can you use flexible hose, like fire hose, in a hydro system? Or partially, ie from the penstock, use 3 inch pvc, then into a flexible hose, and back to 2inch pvc at the turbine?

hose like this?

http://item.rakuten.co.jp/tuzukiya/indus-sd-5020/

http://www.bidders.co.jp/item/117807970

thanks all for your patience.

John

[ Parent ]

Re: using Windblue 540 for hydro (3.00 / 0) (#6)
by ascii122 on Sat Jul 25, 2009 at 11:36:45 PM MST

I guess you could. I was thinking of using fire hose at one point.

I would expect the woven fire hose to have higher friction -- also I was a bit paranoid about suction causing a collapse and/or having trouble filling, but then I'm doing a bit of a siphon.

so I dono.. probably be OK ??

[ Parent ]

Re: using Windblue 540 for hydro (3.00 / 0) (#7)
by zeusmorg on Sat Jul 25, 2009 at 11:49:15 PM MST

I don't see why you couldn't. It wouldn't lend itself to being buried though, and also it would most likely deteriorate more rapidly than pvc. If it can withstand the pressure and the cost is feasible,at least you wouldn't get as much friction in couplings and bends as those could be gentle.

You would have to ensure that it wouldn't collapse from suction or get over pressured when valves are switched, etc.

[ Parent ]

Re: using Windblue 540 for hydro (3.00 / 0) (#8)
by johnelarue on Mon Jul 27, 2009 at 09:32:35 PM MST

Thanks guys for your input,

I was also worried about collapse, but like you imply, it is being used as a "pump" hose rather than suction hose, got to work on pricing it all out and hopefully get going soon,

thanks again,

John

[ Parent ]

Re: using Windblue 540 for hydro (3.00 / 0) (#9)
by johnelarue on Thu Aug 20, 2009 at 07:16:04 AM MST

OK, I'm considering ordering a turgo runner from http://www.h-hydro.com/, I'm eyeing the 120$ blue spoon special 3.24" . My head is about 30 feet, using approx. 240 feet, of 2" pipe, not sure on the nozzle yet, probably single. Optimal pressure is 14.2psi according to the micro hydro calculator. Can I use this runner, or which would you recommend from the above site, I will be happy with about 100watts of power, give or take.
Thanks,

John

[ Parent ]

using Windblue 540 for hydro | 9 comments (9 topical)

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