Stainless construction

[Lucky1]

I finaly have all the parts for the metal work for a 10 footer. I got it all for free. The only thing is that its all stainless steel. Does anyone think it will make that big of a differance useing stainless schl 40 pipe vs mild steel?

[bj]

  Lucky--stainless is nice, but can have some issues of its own. What grade of stainless?  Makes a big difference on welding.  Also some grades do not

make good bearing surfaces, as they tend to pick up, or gall.

  bj

[electrondady1]

the mag rotors should be mild steel not stainless

[richhagen]

Agreed, the magnet rotors need to complete the magnetic circuit so that you will have a stronger change in the magnetic field strength across your coils as the rotor spins.  Stainless steels are generally unsuitable in this regard. Rich

[David HK]

I have recently built two 2.4 metre swept area Hugh Piggott wind turbines and used stainless steel throughout except for the magnet rotors and the thrust bearing.

If you visit this Otherpower URL you will see the general arrangement.  

http://www.fieldlines.com/story/2008/9/9/1346/05896

If you would like more photos of the assembled machine in daylight let me know because I have one in my backyard at the moment.

Try these words of wisdom - The older you get the less work you want, and, If your interested in renewable energy and have the required metalworking skills always go for stainless steel wherever possible.

My own view is that I want zero maintenance costs for renewable energy (or a close to zero as possible).

David in HK

[Lucky1]

The magnet rotors will be mild steel. Everything else will be 304 stainless steel. The only place where the stainless will be welded to mild steel is the hub spindle. And I have already tig welded a sacrifical spindle and mount together and Put it in the press and ran it to 250 bar without it cracking or breaking. Hopefully that would exceed the stresses put on it by the wind.

Lucky1