Author Topic: using Windblue 540 for hydro  (Read 4824 times)

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johnelarue

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using Windblue 540 for hydro
« on: June 30, 2009, 03:44:56 PM »
Anyone using a WindBlue 540 low rpm or similar for hydro?

If you can share some info or sites Id appreciate it, thanks


john

« Last Edit: June 30, 2009, 03:44:56 PM by (unknown) »

Curbie

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Re: using Windblue 540 for hydro
« Reply #1 on: July 01, 2009, 06:55:18 PM »
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

« Last Edit: July 01, 2009, 06:55:18 PM by Curbie »

johnelarue

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Re: using Windblue 540 for hydro
« Reply #2 on: July 16, 2009, 05:02:16 PM »
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

« Last Edit: July 16, 2009, 05:02:16 PM by johnelarue »

ascii122

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Re: using Windblue 540 for hydro
« Reply #3 on: July 20, 2009, 12:11:10 PM »
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

« Last Edit: July 20, 2009, 12:11:10 PM by ascii122 »

johnelarue

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Re: using Windblue 540 for hydro
« Reply #4 on: July 21, 2009, 12:16:52 AM »
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

« Last Edit: July 21, 2009, 12:16:52 AM by johnelarue »

johnelarue

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Re: using Windblue 540 for hydro
« Reply #5 on: July 21, 2009, 12:44:50 AM »
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

« Last Edit: July 21, 2009, 12:44:50 AM by johnelarue »

ascii122

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Re: using Windblue 540 for hydro
« Reply #6 on: July 25, 2009, 11:36:45 PM »
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 ??

« Last Edit: July 25, 2009, 11:36:45 PM by ascii122 »

zeusmorg

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Re: using Windblue 540 for hydro
« Reply #7 on: July 25, 2009, 11:49:15 PM »
 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.

« Last Edit: July 25, 2009, 11:49:15 PM by zeusmorg »

johnelarue

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Re: using Windblue 540 for hydro
« Reply #8 on: July 27, 2009, 09:32:35 PM »
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

« Last Edit: July 27, 2009, 09:32:35 PM by johnelarue »

johnelarue

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Re: using Windblue 540 for hydro
« Reply #9 on: August 20, 2009, 07:16:04 AM »
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

« Last Edit: August 20, 2009, 07:16:04 AM by johnelarue »