Good Idea Tom. I wish I had way more time to learn more about those motor conversions and the 'F & P' motor conversions. I am beginning to have a big interest in all that now. Thats my main problem now with Vawts is making or converting something that will have a cut-in at only 30rpm (!!) and raise in AMPS as QUICKLY as possible with the slow rpms!!(Usual range of only 30-120rpm) So it seems to me, conversions and alternators for Hawts are different, since the amps raises SLOWER (to avoid 'stall') as the rpm increases ALOT.
My knowledge of conversions and 'F&P's' is still somewhat limited. I believe the 'F&P's' need to be rewound with smaller GA. wire to bring cut-in WAY DOWN to where I need it. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think a conversion will work in this LOW of RPM range.
On the other hand, 'Gearing' is another option I am flipping around-- since perfectly 'matching' an alternator for a Vawt may be difficult. At least with gears, I can simply put different size spocket on there until I get it 'matched' good enough to the vawt rotor.
Concerning those 'corner of the house' Vawts, I like the idea of one conversion at the top and one at the bottom as you said, since you could have essentially TWO (electrical) 'gears' to switch back and forth to, instead of only one. The second one comes on during a stronger gust. I'm not sure how to do it though. I get decent breezes and good turbulant wind on the corners of my house. I stand there all the time. As we all know, its not the BEST place, but where my house is, its probably about the same as on top of my roof.(but less noticable)
I find these Vawts quite interesting--and I know I'll get SOMETHING out of 'em!!